David George Reetz
June 29, 1936 - July 20, 2025
David George Reetz of York, Neb., went to his Heavenly home on Sunday, July 20, 2025. He was born June 29, 1936, to George and Irene (Vorderstrasse) Reetz, in Seward. Dave was so small that they brought him home in a shoebox.
Dave graduated from Thayer High School in 1954 and went on to earn an undergraduate degree in Ministry Theology from St. Johns College in Winfield, Kan. He was united in marriage to Deanna May (Jensen) on November 24, 1957, and they were blessed with three children, Mark, Deb, and Julie.
Dave joined the York Fire Department in 1957 and was a member of Firefighters Association, Advanced Life Support Unit, and EMT-D. He served as Captain of the York Fire Department and was interim Fire Chief, retiring from the Department after 40 years of service. Among his many business ventures, he was a co-founder of York Motor Company as a Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth Dealership. He was also involved in numerous York businesses, including rental properties, warehouses, auto repair shops and managing the family farm in Thayer.
Dave and Dee loved to travel and were fortunate to take his parents along with their children on summer vacations across the United States. When they got home, Dave would drive around the neighborhood honking his horn so all the kids would come running to help unload the car and hear about their adventures.
Dave's other activities and hobbies included being a Scout leader, fishing at Johnson Lake, scuba diving, hunting, golfing, gardening, and his Monday afternoon pitch game with the boys (Darrel, Steve, Becker, and Kohtz). He was an active member of Faith Lutheran Church holding many offices in addition to teaching Sunday School and being an Elder.
Dave is survived by his children, Mark (Shirley) Reetz of West Des Moines, Iowa, Deb Reetz of York, and Julie (David) Wellman of Waco; 10 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; siblings, Roger (Bernie) Reetz of Seward, Mark Reetz of Omaha; and many nieces and nephews and their families. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Deanna; brothers, Paul (Gayle) Reetz, Thomas (Monika) Reetz; sisters, Barb (Albert) Shearer and Rose Mary.
Visitation with family will be from 5 until 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at the Wessels Living History Farm Church located at 5520 S. Lincoln Ave., York. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Friday, July 25, 2025, at the Wessels Living History Farm Church with Fellowship (Happy) hour immediately following.
In lieu of flowers or plants, memorials may be directed to Mission Central in Mapleton, Iowa. Condolences may be left for the family at
metzmortuary.com. Metz Mortuary in York is handling the arrangements.
Published by York News-Times on Jul. 23, 2025.