Roy Sturtz, 60, died Tuesday, January 5, 2010, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids after a sudden illness. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 8, 2010, at Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home in Vinton with Pastor Jim Blair officiating. Visitation was from 9:00 a.m. until service time on Friday at the funeral home. Inurnment will be held at 10:00 a.m. at Evergreen Cemetery on Saturday, June 12, 2010.
Roy Albert Sturtz was born on the family farm near Urbana, IA, on October 12, 1949, the youngest son of Harry and Velma Christy Sturtz. He graduated from Urbana High School and also took art correspondence courses. On July 31, 1973, he married Rhonda Gunn in Vinton. She preceded him in death on June 11, 2002. Roy was a welder at Hawk Bilt Manufacturing in Vinton until 1981 when he opened 101 Welding north of Vinton. Roy enjoyed stock car races, drag racing and building hot rods. He especially enjoyed family holidays and Sunday drives.
He is survived by his daughter, Shauna (David) Graesser and grandchildren, Seth and Abigail, Amana, IA; three sons, Andrew (Kristine) and grandchildren, Alexandria and Miranda, Ames, IA, Nicholas (Cullin Schooley), Des Moines, IA, and Cristopher, Vinton, IA; two brothers, George, Vinton, IA, and Roger (Jean), Urbana, IA, and one niece, Peggy Coleson.
In addition to his wife, was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Lloyd.
A memorial fund has been established.
Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home is caring for Roy and his family. Condolences may be left at www.vsrfh.com.