Richard W. "Dick" Alitz

Richard W. "Dick" Alitz, 82, of Norwalk, IA, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2026, surrounded by the family he loved so deeply.
Born in Mason City, IA, to William C. "Bill" and Mary L. (Holmes) Alitz, Dick was a man defined by hard work, steady hands, and an unwavering commitment to the people he loved. Dick, together with his wife Lois, built their lives on a foundation of love, faith and the meaning of hard work.

Beyond his craft of ironwork, Dick was also a skilled home builder and farmer. Even with the demands of manual labor during the day, this never stopped Dick from being the first to show up when someone else was in need. Neighbors and friends will remember him as someone who came to help - no hesitation, no complaints. Dick was a man who could be counted on, instilling the worth of accountability and generosity in his children and grandchildren.

When he wasn't working his trades, he was most at home on the land he farmed. Dick understood seasons, weather, and the quiet rewards that come from planting something and watching it grow. The farm was where his family gathered, where stories were told, and where children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren learned the value of hard work and a little grease on their hands.

In his free-time, Dick enjoyed spending time fishing on Lake Erie with his son, Will, four-wheeling terrains across the country, and "monkeying around" in his shed. He was especially fond of walks with his daughter, Melissa, every morning around Elizabeth Holland Park.
Above all, Dick was a devoted man of family and faith. He showed his love not through grand speeches, but through his presence. He showed up when it mattered and taught by example. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will remember his steady guidance, his strong hands, his humor, and the sense of security that came from knowing he was always there.

Dick is survived by his wife of 61 years, Lois, his two children, Will Alitz and Melissa (David) Tuttle, his grandchildren Samantha (John) Finneseth, Tyler (Louise) Alitz, William and Jack Tuttle, Brooklyn Baker and Anissa Ruiz, great-grandchildren Eric, Olivia, Calan, and Piper, and siblings Joan Battleson, John Alitz, Mike (Sandy) Alitz, and Tim (Teri) Alitz. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Pat Alitz, sister-in-law Barb Alitz, brothers-in-law Dick Battleson, Leon "Tubby" Battleson, and Lyle Battleson, niece Stephanie Alitz, nephews Ted and Johnny Alitz, and his mother-in-law Mae Battleson.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Feb 27, 2026, from 3-6 p.m. at the Iles Funeral Home of Norwalk. A Celebration of Life will be held after the visitation at the Norwalk Mullett's; come and enjoy drinks with the friends and family of Dick! Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, Feb 28, 2026, at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in Norwalk, with a luncheon to follow at Iles Funeral Home.

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