"Jane, I am sorry to know of your loss of Jon. Sorry we have lost contact after this many years. Glad you have your sons and daughter to be there for you. God bless you, my friend, \\ Holly"
In loving memory of
Jon Horace Waltz
July 28, 1943 - June 27, 2015
Jon H. Waltz, 71, of Red Oak, IA, passed away on June 27, 2015 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota. As per his wishes, cremation has taken place. Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at the First United Methodist Church in Red Oak with military honors and inurnment the Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, July 20, 2015 at the church. Loess Hills Funeral Home of Malvern in charge of the arrangements.
Memorials: First United Methodist Church or Boy Scout Troop 80 in Red Oak.
Jon Horace Waltz, one of three children of Margaret Lenore (Shaw) and Horace Griffith Waltz, was born on July 28, 1943 in Red Oak, Iowa. He attended the Red Oak Community Schools and graduated from Iowa State University with a B.S. in Animal Science. While at Iowa State, Jon was in the ROTC program and graduated as a 2nd Lt. Army Artillery Officer. He served in Korea in the United States Army from 1966 to 1968 and was discharged with the rank of 1st Lt. US Army. Jon spent most of his career selling farm and commercial insurance and was part owner of the United Group Insurance in Red Oak. He retired in 2012 after 36 years in the insurance business.
Jon and Jane Roberta Munson were married on November 28, 1970 in Slater, Iowa. They were blessed with three children, Peter, Eileen and Grant.
Jon was a life-long member of the First United Methodist Church in Red Oak where he also taught Sunday School, served as a Lay Speaker, and in 2006, served as a Lay Missioner. Jon was a recipient of the Cross and Flame for his service to the youth of the United Methodist Church. Jon was a true community supporter. He served as a 4-H leader, 1968-1970, and was active with the scouting program in Red Oak, having served as Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, and Boy Scout Chaplain. In 1990, Jon received the Silver Beaver Award, which is the highest national honor a Council can bestow on a volunteer. Jon attended the Philmont Training Center for Scouting, was an Assistant Scoutmaster for the National Boy Scout Jamboree, and he volunteered at the Jamboree for the Woodcarving Merit Badge. He remained involved with the Boy Scouts as an Assistant Commissioner. In 1993, Jon received recognition for his "Distinguished Service" to the Red Oak Community High School and was the "Red Oak School Booster of the Year". He was inducted to the Iowa Volunteer Hall of Fame in 1995. Jon was very proud of his work with the Mid-America Woodcarvers and the International Guild of Knot Tyers. He was a member of the Toastmasters International since 1969, the Gideons International since 2001, the American Legion, the Historic Preservation Committee, and served several terms on the Red Oak Chamber Board.
Above all his activities and volunteerism, his family was his pride and joy. Jon was a wonderful husband, dad, grandpa, brother, son, and a good friend to all who knew him.
Jon passed away on June 27, 2015 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota, at the age of 71 years, 10 months, and 29 days. He was preceded in death by his parents; and nephew Paul Borthwick.
Jon is survived by his wife of 44 years, Jane Waltz of Red Oak; children, Peter Waltz and wife Holly of Algona, IA, Eileen Waltz of Red Oak, and Grant Waltz of Des Moines, IA; grandchildren, Harrison and Emerson Waltz; sisters, Alicemary Borthwick and husband Gordon of Grinnell, IA, and Ellen Boydston and husband Everett of Camden Point, MO; other relatives and a host of friends.
Tributes
"Jane, Pete, Eileen, Grant and family. Jon's success is in the fact that he significantly impacted so many lives in such a positive way. I was privileged to have known such an incredible man the last 22 years."
"So sorry for you loss. Our thoughts are with you in this time of sorrow. "
"We were so sad to hear of the death of Jon. We know he has had many struggles and is at peace now. Jane, Peter, Eileen, Grant and family you are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time."
"Jon will be missed, he was a great man, a man of faith, an honest man and a good friend. He always knew what to say, in April 2014 Jon married Jr and I, when I had asked him if he would do the ceremony he said yes and got right to work on it, he picked the perfect words and made it very special. He was a one of a kind. My thoughts and prayers to Jane and the kids..."
"John was a great friend to all at the Red Oak Senior Center. His sense of humor was a joy to us, along with his thoughtfulness to all of us. He will always be with us in spirit. My prayers to Jane and the family."
"It has been almost 30 years since Annette and I and our family left Red Oak. However, at times we did return, we had chance meetings with Jon. He was always the kind outgoing person we first knew him to be. We send our sympathy and blessings to all the family."
"Jane and family, I am so sorry for your loss. "
"while working on building the free med clinic. John was the only person to walk in the door take off his coat and say I'm here to help. we put him to work and enjoyed his company. he helped for several days and a few times he brought us donuts and once cinnamon rolls made by Dorothy Bozwell. John was good help and great company. he will be greatly missed. I am a better man for have known him"
"Jon was such a wonderful and caring man. He was always there for people. I know my mom enjoyed his visits to the Nursing home very much. May God bless you all in this sorrowful time. "
"So sorry for your loss. Sending thoughts and prayers your way Jane and family. "
"I will always remember John's gentle ways-how he was such a good listener and, in my case, often knew what I needed before I knew- he was such a supporter of me as I developed and taught the NJTL tennis program in Red Oak. He just quietly supported, never looking for thanks or recognition. I knew he also supported many other causes-what a legacy he leaves! Years after our boys graduated from high school John and I would chuckle over Peter and Chad's double escapades, they certainly complimented each other as their syles were night and day apart!!! You all have my sincerest condolences and I wish you peaceful closure. Love you all, Paula"
"I was so sorry to hear of Jon's passing. My prayers are with the family. Though I didn't know him well I was so impressed by the words he shared at an Eagle Scout ceremony a few years back. He seemed to have such great faith and kindness. "
"John will be missed greatly. He was a great friend to Scouting and everyone who met him. God bless his family now and in the time to come. May the Great Master of all Scouts be with us all until we again in the sweet by and by."
"Jon was a wonderful example to all who knew him. A true friend of Scouting with incredible patience, kindness and love. He shared his time and talents with no regard for the inconvenience it may be in his own life.
His faith was a great strength to Jon and his family. Our prayers are for his family's comfort and peace needed to get through this difficult time. Join will be missed by all.
"
"So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you. "
"Waltz Family, I have lost a good friend. When I came to the Red Oak office six years ago, he could not have treated me any better. We had many great conversations and I will miss Jon's gentle way more than anything. Jon taught me so much and it is tough knowing he will not be coming through that door again. I always looked forward to getting his take on any subject. May the pain you feel today fade away as memories of Jon slowly take its place. Whoever is in charge of procurement upstairs needs to order more rope and carving wood!"
"Jane, Pete, Eileen, Grant and family: Jon has fought quite the battle over the years with his health, he is now at peace and in no pain. I know he hated to leave his family and friends but God was calling him home. Please call any of us at United Group if you need anything."