Dean James Iltz

Dean James Iltz died February 7, 2012, at the age of 69.

He was born May 21, 1942 at Ritzville to George and Katie (Kissler) Iltz. He was raised on the Graedel place outside Odessa and graduated in 1960 from Odessa High School. After graduating, he worked various odd jobs including at the local IGA Grocery Store in Ritzville and the Ritz Theatre, where he ran the movie reels. Later he worked at the gas company in Ritzville known as Columbia Gas. He entered the U.S. Army in 1964 and served as a supply clerk at Fort Bragg, N.C. and was honorably discharged in 1966.

He made his way back to Ritzville and continued working at Columbia Gas (later Washington Water Power). He worked on various projects including furnace line locations. In the 1980s, the company was purchased by Avista and he continued to work his way up to be the local gas Representative for Lincoln County. He retired after 44 years of employment with them.

On July 3, 1998, he married Donna Kay Lee in Ritzville, living together in the house he built earlier in 1980s.

He was a member of the NRA, VFW and the Ritzville Gun Club.

He enjoyed trap shooting, deer hunting, and restoration of his beloved classic Chevy Impala, his pride and joy. Dean had an abundance of wonderful friends whose company he enjoyed. He loved trying out restaurants, going to the Civic Theater and traveling. He loved a good movie, popcorn and a coke.

Dean was a true friend, husband, father and brother, he will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his wife, Donna, daughter, Tami (Kevin) McCoy, Spokane; two sons, Daryl Iltz, Ellensburg, and Daryn Iltz, Selah, Wash., two stepsons, Jeffrey (Carley Ann) Lee, Onalaska, Wash. and Garrett Lee, Spokane: two sisters, Louella Praetorius, Odessa, and Lorranine (Lorane) Becker, Kennewick; two sisters-in law, Janice Iltz, Ritzville, and Dorothy Frederick, Odessa; former wife, Jean Fifield Iltz; two grandchildren, Justin and Bradley McCoy, Spokane, two step-grandchildren, Shawn and Cole Dahm, Onalaska and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents and four brothers, Leonard, Harvey, Marvin and Elmer Iltz; sister-in law, Ella Iltz, and brother-in law, Bob Praetorius.

Graveside services were held Tuesday, February 14, 2012, at 10 a.m. at the Odessa Cemetery, followed by a memorial service at the Odessa Heritage Church at 11 a.m., Pastor Jon Hayashi officiating. Memorials can be made to the Ritzville Gun Club, c/o Brian Kramer, 508 E. 3rd Ave., Ritzville, WA 99169. Family and friends are encouraged to leave condolences, memories and photos for the family at the following Web site http://www.HeritageMemorialChapel.com

Funeral services were in the care of Heritage Memorial Chapel, East Wenatchee.