Ronald C. "Ron" Pietz

Ronald C. “Ron” Pietz, 73, of Sioux City, IA died Monday, May 8, 2017, at his residence after a lengthy illness with Myelodysplastic Syndrome.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, May 12, 2017, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Sioux City with Most Reverend R. Walker Nickless celebrating the mass.  Burial with military honors will follow at Graceland Park Cemetery.  Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, with a Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel.  

Ronald C. “Ron” was born on April 19, 1944, the son of Albert and Clara (Wollman) Pietz.  He was raised in Sioux City and graduated from East High School in 1962.  He attended the University of South Dakota and graduated in 1966.  In 1967, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served until 1969.  His main tour of duty was a 13 month assignment in the Republic of South Korea.  Upon his discharge, he resumed his studies as the University of South Dakota and received his M.A. Degree in 1971.  He began employment with the City of Sioux City in 1972 and for many years worked for the Community Development Department, specializing in housing assistance programs.

On May 11, 1974, he married Marlene Steffensmeier.  The couple made their home in Sioux City where they raised 5 children.

In May of 1992, he was ordained as a permanent deacon for the Diocese of Sioux City and later that year was hired as business manager for Blessed Sacrament Parish.  He remained in that capacity until 2010.  He also served as a deacon with St. Joseph Parish from 1992 until 2013.

In 2009, Ron started working as a Chaplain for Hospice of Siouxland and continued until February of 2015.

He was a member and past president of the Kiwanis Club of Sioux City, a board member and past president for the Mary Treglia Community House and STARS, and served on the Board of Directors for both Catholic Charities and the Midtown Community Center.  For many years, Ron and Marlene enjoyed coaching in the Challenger Little League.

Survivors include his wife, Marlene; two sons, Andy of Sioux City and Tim (Bobbi) of Kingsley; two daughters, Becky Tiebout of Kansas City and Mary Kay of Sioux City; three grandsons, CJ Freeman of Kansas City and Adam and Michael Pietz of Kingsley; one granddaughter Abigail Pietz of Kingsley; two sisters, Carolyn Pietz of Wonder Lake, IL and Mary (Steve) Haller of Sioux City; and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one daughter, Anne Pietz in 2016.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Hospice of Siouxland or Lifeserve Blood Center.