Dean James Iltz

Dean James Iltz completed his journey of life at the age of 69, on Feb 7, 2012, with the love of his life by his side.

He was born on May 21, 1942, in Ritzville to George & Katie (Kissler) Iltz.

He was raised on the Graedel Place outside of Odessa, and attended grade school and graduated in 1960 from Odessa High School.

During his high school years he worked various odd jobs including; the local IGA Grocery Store in Ritzville and the Ritzville Theatre, where he ran the movie reels. Upon graduation, he gained employment at the gas company in Ritzville known as Columbia Gas.

He entered the U.S. Army in 1964 and served as a Supply Clerk at Fort Bragg, N.C. and was honorably discharged in 1966.

He made his way back to Ritzville and continued with his job at Columbia Gas, which was later bought out by Washington Water Power.

He worked on various projects including furnace line locations. In the 1980’s Avista purchased the company and he continued to work his way to be the local gas Representative for Lincoln County.

He retired after 44 years of employment with them.

On July 3, 1998 he married Donna Kay Lee in Ritzville; they continued to make their home together in the house he built earlier in 1980’s.

He was a member of the NRA, VFW and the Ritzville Gun Club.

He enjoyed trap shooting, deer hunting, and restoration of his beloved classic Chevy Impala, which was his pride and joy. He had an abundance of wonderful friends, which he enjoyed their company. He loved trying out restaurants, going to the Civic Theater & traveling. He loved a good movie, popcorn and a Coke.

It was said by family that he was a true friend, husband, father and brother and that he will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his wife, Donna; daughter, Tami (Kevin) McCoy, Spokane; two sons, Daryl Iltz, Ellensburg, Daryn Iltz, Selah; two stepsons, Jeffrey (Carley Ann) Lee, Onalaska, Wash., Garrett Lee, Spokane; two sisters, Louella Praetorius, Odessa, Lorranine (Lorane) Becker, Kennewick; two sister-in laws, Janice Iltz, Ritzville, Dorothy Fredricks, Odessa; and four grandchildren, Justin and Bradley McCoy, Spokane, Shawn and Cole Dahm, Onalaska, Wash., and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents and four brothers, Leonard, Harvey, Marvin, and Elmer Iltz, sister-in law, Ella Iltz and brother-in law, Bob Praetorius.

Graveside services were held Tuesday, Feb. 14, at the Odessa Cemetery in Odessa, followed by a memorial service at the Odessa Heritage Church.

Memorials can be made to the Ritzville Gun Club, c/o Brian Kramer, 508 E. Third Ave., Ritzville, WA 99169.

Family and friends are encouraged to leave condolences, memories and photos for the family at http://www.HeritageMemorialChapel.com. Funeral services are in the care of Heritage Memorial Chapel, East Wenatchee, Wash.