Donald Reetz

WEBSTER: Donald Reetz 68, of Webster, died on Friday, April 17, 2009 at the Bethesda Home in Webster. His funeral will be at 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Webster, Rev. Daniel & Rev. Kristin Ostercamp officiating. Burial will be in the Webster Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday, 5-8 P.M. at Fiksdal Funeral Service in Webster and prior to the services at church on Tuesday. fiksdalfuneral.com. Donald Charles Reetz was born on February 9, 1941 to Herman and Marie (Fick) Reetz at Webster, S.D. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Webster. He graduated from Webster High School in 1959. After graduation, he entered into his lifetime family farming operation. He truly had a passion for agriculture. Donald also served part-time in the National Guard for six years. On October 26, 1968 he married Helen Pingle in Grenville, S.D. They made their home on the family farm in the homestead house. During the winter months, Donald owned and operated Arctic Cat Sales & Services for 16 years. Many people knew him as “The Cat Man”. Donald was instrumental in organizing the original charter for the Day County Trailblazers Snowmobile Club. He participated on several trapshooting teams and sponsored a league team at the Claybird Gun Club for many years. He was a lifelong member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, and a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association. He served on the Rusk Township Board & was supervisor for a number of years. He aided in getting the Rusk School moved to the Museum of Wildlife, Science, & Industry of which he was an associate life member. He was an outdoor enthusiast, enjoying hunting and fishing. Donald was a loving husband and father, and a great friend to many people. He loved to socialize with all of his friends. Donald passed away after an eleven month battle with cancer on Friday, April 17, 2009 at Webster, South Dakota at the age of 68 years, 2 months, and 8 days. Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Helen of Webster, S.D., one daughter; Barbara (Kurt) McKane of Bristol, S.D., one son, David Reetz of Mankato, Minnesota, and one sister, Donna (Charles) Hendricks, of Lakewood, Colorado. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Richard (Dick) Reetz.