Pearl Reitz

Pearl June Reitz, born June 5, 1939, in the embrace of loving parents Ray and Pearl Marie (Muff) Putnam, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, adventure, and kindness. She was 85 years old.

Pearl was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend.

Pearl married Dr. Alan Theodore Folkens. The couple made their home at various places including Morton, IL, Greenville, MS and Joshua, TX. After Alan passed in 1996, she married Dwayne "Pete" Reitz. She was blessed to have Pete’s company and love for the remainder of her years.

Pearl was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dow City until they closed and then transferred to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Dunlap. She enjoyed traveling with Pete to California, Florida and making memories with family. She also loved water skiing and dancing with Pete.

She is survived by her husband, Pete Reitz and children: Eric Folkens (Teri), Lee Folkens, Shannon Tobin (Tony), Kim Stieren (Mike), Reed Reitz (Gail Casteel), Brenda Reitz, Renee Vary (Steve), Corrine Reitz (Howard Beam). Pearl's memory will live on through her 13 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

A practicing Catholic throughout her life, Pearl’s faith was a cornerstone of her character. Her devotion to her religion brought peace and strength to her life, and she carried this devotion with her in all she did.

Pearl's life was marked by her vibrant love of life and her strong, compassionate nature. A proud graduate of St. Catherine's Nursing School, Pearl was a dedicated Registered Nurse who spent much of her life caring for others. Her passion for helping people reflected her deeply compassionate nature, which touched the lives of many. Her love for adventure and the outdoors was evident, from water skiing and polka dancing to spending treasured moments at the farm and feeding the geese. She was a fan of travel, especially beach vacations, where she would soak in the sun and joyfully explore new horizons.

Her family and friends will always remember Pearl for her warmth, generosity, and the positive energy she brought into every room she entered. She was a woman who lived her life with grace, laughter, and an unyielding love for those around her.

Pearl was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Pearl Putnam; her brother Maurice "Buzz" Putnam (Barb); her sister Mary Ellen Harre (Gene), her first husband, Alan Folkens; her beloved niece, Pam Brosamle; and her infant son Gerard Folkens.

Visitation with family greeting friends will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at the Huebner Funeral Home in Denison. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 7, 2025, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Dow City with interment to follow in the Dow City Cemetery. Celebration of Life will immediately follow the internment at the Dow City Community Building. Memorials may be directed to the Old School Caboose Museum in Dow City.

Pearl, you were loved beyond measure and will always be remembered. Rest in peace.