Reuben Benjamin Pietz's Obituary
Reuben Benjamin Pietz embraced his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on April 26, 2008 and surely heard the words, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."
Reuben Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob and Katherina Pietz, was born on November 2, 1916 in Tripp, South Dakota. He grew up on a large cattle, sheep, pig and chicken farm with his parents and 14 brothers and sisters (also 29 horses).
Reuben left home at age 17, seeking adventure through railways, leading him to Fargo, North Dakota, and to the "love of his life" Alice Freimarck. After their marriage, they pooled their resources and opened a bakery out of their home...she baked, he delivered. Four kids later, Reuben decided to head out west, seeking more stable employment, leading him to Tacoma and the shipyards. He later worked for Johnson Cox Printing Company, until his retirement.
Reuben was a long-standing member of Portland Avenue Baptist Church, during which time he held many positions including Choir President, Brotherhood President, and alternating Secretary and Treasurer. For the past 17 years, he has atteneded Evergreen Baptist Church on Waller Road in Tacoma.
Reuben lived a simple life with strong values...the values Jesus taught. He was a man of honesty and integrity. This is the legacy he leaves to those who loved and respected him.
Reuben was preceded in death by his parents and 13 siblings, his daughter Darlene Kujawa, and his wife Alice.
He is survived by 3 sons, Kenny, Ron (Shirley), and Jerry (Tina); 2 daughters, Patti McDonough and Sharon Larkin; 15 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren; 1 sister, Elsie Permann, and many nephews and nieces.
Our family is grateful to the nursing staff on 9-A at St. Joseph Medical Center, especially Maureen and Lisa.
We're also grateful to Gail and the staff at Heartwood Extended Care, the nurses and aides on Emerald Wing, and the Activities Department...a special thank you to "Angel" (Louise), Mona, Kathleen, Laurel, and Becky.
We also want to thank Kim, our Dad's barber, who came to the nursing home to cut his hair. Also to Rupender, his diabetes nurse, for spending her day off visiting with him.
Thank you for taking such wonderful care of our precious Dad and Grandpa, your compassion will not be forgotten.
Our Dad and Grandpa gave us what we needed most from him, "An example of an honorable man".
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Activities Department at Heartwood Extended Care.
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