Rev. Robert Dwain "Bob" Moritz

Rev. Robert Dwain Moritz, the eldest son of Hans and Edna (Jorgensen) Moritz, was born May 29, 1935, near Estherville, IA. Bob passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and love, on July 14, 2025, at 90 years of age. Bob grew up on his family's 210-acre farm north of Estherville, where he helped run the Moritz Jersey Dairy alongside his mother, Aunt Martha, and brothers after his father Hans's sudden passing in 1946. Those early years shaped his strong faith, work ethic, and deep commitment to serving others. While in high school, Bob was an all-conference football and basketball player who also competed in track, graduating in 1953. Bob never met a stranger, loved a good joke, and believed laughter was the best medicine. Humble and warm, he made people feel at ease wherever he went. In 1955, Bob attended Waldorf College in Forest City where he played college basketball and met Carol Irene Miller while they were both working in the college kitchen. Bob graduated in 1957, and they were married on Aug 17, 1958. Together they made a strong foundation for their family, supporting each other in every aspect of life for over 66 years. Bob earned his B.A. from Augsburg College in Minneapolis, his divinity degree from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, and interned for one year at Hope Lutheran Church before answering his lifelong calling when he was ordained as a Lutheran minister in July of 1963. Pastor Bob began his ministry at Our Savior's Lutheran in Milroy and Trinity Lutheran in Lucan from 1963–1968, where he and Carol welcomed their son Stephen. While serving at Trinity Lutheran in Ottawa from 1968–1972, daughters Valorie and Stephanie were born. The family then put down roots in Hadley, MN, where Bob faithfully served Hadley Lutheran Church and Trinity Lutheran Chandler for over 30 years, retiring in 2003. The parishioners became like a second family as he baptized, confirmed, married, counseled and walked with multiple generations through both joyful celebrations and times of loss. His deep love and passion for helping others showed in his volunteer work and community leadership. He served on nearly 30 boards, championing causes like the Red Cross and 5th Step AA counseling. He and Carol even traveled to Central America on a mission trip to support those in need. Bob and Carol passed on their love of adventure by tent camping with their kids and exploring 48 states. They also traveled through Europe and opened their home to eight exchange students, who quickly became like family, building lifelong friendships that crossed cultures, countries, and beliefs. Above all, Bob loved his family, especially his grandkids. He never missed a chance to cheer them on, swap stories, or share a good laugh. When he couldn't be there in person, he stayed close through calls, Face Times, photos, and visits. He also looked forward to long, lively phone calls with his brothers, filled with laughter and talk of faith, family, and sports - his favorite trio. Bob was a lifelong Iowa Hawkeye fan who knew players and stats inside and out. He also followed the Boston Red Sox and Celtics with passion. Bob shared his faith in quiet, everyday ways. He was known for his kindness, genuine compassion, and the way he always made time for each person he met.

Family members left to cherish his memory include his wife of 66 years, Carol, of Grinnell, IA, and three children: Stephen (Ann Wolf) Moritz of Granite Falls, MN, Valorie (Gary) Larsson of Grinnell, IA, and Stephanie (Michael) Moran of Clive, IA. He was blessed with 10 grandchildren: Nicole Galles, Michael (Christina), Erica, Taylor, and Nicholas Moritz; Hans and Thea Larsson; and Matthew, Anthony, and Mason Moran; and five great-grandchildren: Kiana, Tara, Tylinn, Kayson, and Kinley. Family members also include his youngest brother James (Harriett Ramy), sisters-in-law Gloria Moritz and Irene Miller, and several nieces and nephews and their families. Our exchange student family members include Josua, Ramon, Stephane, Jean George, Manuel, Ruben, Mari Carmen, and Marek. Family members who welcomed Bob in Heaven include his parents, his brothers Ronald, Kenneth, Leonard, and Dale and infant siblings Virginia and Dennis, special aunt Martha Jorgenson, parents-in-law, Orval and Myrle (Reed) Miller, brother-in-law Donald Miller and sister-in-law Mary Ann Moritz.