Harold Rietz

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Harold Guenther Rietz, 95, on September 9th at his residence. He was born on October 16, 1929 in Freyburg, Texas to Guenther and Alma "Loth" Rietz. In his final days, he was surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and loving caregivers.

Harold was baptized on November 3,1929 and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Schulenburg on April 16, 1944. He attended Schulenburg High School and continued his education at Blinn College in Brenham, Texas.

He met the love of his life, Laura Aurelia Kaase, at a dance in Swiss Alp, Texas. They were married on February 7, 1950, at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in LaGrange, Texas. Their loving union produced three children: two daughters and a son. They settled in Brenham, Texas in 1978, where they were members and servants of Grace Lutheran Church Brenham.

In 1948 Harold proudly enlisted in the U.S. Army, and in 1952 he was stationed in Fort Riley, Kansas, 10th Infantry, and assigned to the Company C 87th Infantry Division. He served as a Sergeant on the front lines of the Korean War. He continued his service in the Army Reserve until February 16, 1960, receiving numerous commendations for his dedication and valor.

Harold was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather (Opa), and friend to many. He was an excellent dancer, and he and Laura cherished their time dancing to polka and traditional country music, with fond memories at Bill Mraz Dance Hall in Houston, Texas, and the Freyburg Hall in Schulenburg, Texas. He enjoyed working the family farm's land, raising cattle, and shredding the pastures. He had a deep appreciation for cars, particularly Ford Thunderbirds, a passion he lovingly instilled in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Harold began his career as a skilled meat cutter/butcher. Professionally, he was a Top Sales Representative for Rath Packing Company for 35 years. In 1983, he joined Brenham Wholesale Grocery Company as the Meat Buyer and headed up the department until his retirement. Harold was beloved for his faith, sense of humor, kindness, hospitality, character, and unwavering loyalty.

When Laura's health became impaired following surgery in 1997, Harold became his sweetheart's devoted advocate and cared lovingly for her every need. He never left her side until her passing in 2015, after celebrating 65 beautiful years of marriage together.

Over the past ten years, Harold's mobility was limited, but that did not diminish his joy for life, or his passion for sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. Through the everlasting dedication of Sally White, his primary caregiver and loving friend of eight years, he never went a day without laughter and compassionate care. His joy for adventure continued with his friend and driver/caregiver Morris White, whether exploring the backroads or meeting dear friends at The Sons of Hermann on Fridays. As his health declined recently, Shandia and Pearl Glover joined the circle of committed caregivers and friends.

Harold is adored by his three remaining children: Patty Barter and her husband Clarence (Bud), Brenda Purser and her husband Nolan (Stan), and Larry Rietz and his wife Camille; grandchildren: Briana Purser and her husband James Oswald, Forrest Purser and his wife Kayla, Travis Barter and his wife Jennifer, Jeanie Derdeyn and her husband Cliff, Lauren Rietz, and Nicholas Gayle; great grandchildren: Audrey Derdeyn, Cade Derdeyn, Julien Oswald, Nolan Purser, Lucy Garcia, and Avary Garcia; and sister-in-law Mildred Bohac.

Serving as pallbearers will be Travis Barter, Dwayne Bohac, Cliff Derdeyn, Dwayne Friedrich, Marty Kaase, and Ronnie Holz. Honorary pallbearers include Sally White, Morris White, Pearl Glover, and Shandia Glover.

A visitation for Harold will be held on Thursday, September 25, 2025 from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, with the family present from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Memorial Oaks Chapel located at 1306 West Main Street, Brenham, Texas. A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 26, 2025 at 11:00 am at Grace Lutheran located at 1212 West Jefferson Street, Brenham, Texas with Pastor Ryan Ogodowicz, and Pastor Matthew Jacobs officiating. Burial will be at 3:00 pm at Freyburg Cemetery located on Salem-Freyburg Road, Schulenburg, Texas 78956.

Memorials may be directed to Grace Lutheran Church Brenham, or to Salem Memorial Cemetery Association at 110 Rose Mayer Loop, LaGrange, TX 78945.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel located at 1306 West Main Street, Brenham, Texas. To post a tribute to the family, please visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.