Ronald Herman Belitz

On September 17, 2026, Ronald Herman “Ronnie” Belitz, 93, of Tipton, Iowa, was called home to the Lord. Ron was born on December 12, 1932, in Wellston, Oklahoma, to Herman and Frieda Belitz. He graduated from Bennett High School in 1950 and served in the United States Army during the Korean War. On January 10, 1957, he married the love of his life, Carolyn Hensch, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bennett.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 21, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Tipton. His funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by a luncheon at noon. Burial with military honors will take place following the luncheon at Inland Cemetery in Bennett. Online condolences may be shared at www.fryfuneralhome.com. A memorial fund has been established to honor Ronnie’s memory and may be sent to Beverly Tripp, 420 W. 8th Street, Tipton, Iowa 52772.

Ron dedicated 21 years to Caterpillar as a machinist. Even after retiring, his tireless work ethic continued in Tipton, where he spent another two decades working part-time at Theisen’s and Tipton Pharmacy.

A dedicated lifelong Lutheran, Ron served his church faithfully as a Sunday school teacher, worship assistant, usher, treasurer, elder, men’s group member, and first tenor in the choir. He was also a lifetime member of the VFW and helped establish the post in Eldridge, Iowa, serving as its very first commander.

Outside of work and service, Ron was an avid bowler, camper, fisherman, and lifelong Chicago Cubs fan—complete with an engraved brick to prove it. He took great pride in working outdoors, carefully tending his flower garden and keeping the lawn neatly trimmed. He meticulously hung the tinsel and put out the Christmas decorations, repeatedly taking home first place in Tipton’s Christmas display competition. Above all, Ron was beloved by everyone who knew him, leaving behind a legacy of devotion, service, humor, and warmth.

Ron is survived by his five children, Beverly Tripp, Brenda Vacek, Brian Belitz, Bryce (Mary) Belitz, and Bradley (Naoko) Belitz; grandchildren, Ron (Lisa) Humphrey, Ryan (Kelley) Humphrey, Rachel (Rob) Salamo, Shawna (Glen) Wiebel, Stacy (Chuck) Oldaker, John (Debbie) Vacek, Nick (Tabitha) Vacek, Timothy (Meagan) Belitz, Brian (Cortni) Belitz, Jacob Belitz, Sara (Eric) Blunt, Elizabeth (James) Good, Jason (Betty) Mann, Ethan Mann, Alisa Belitz, and Mia Belitz; 27 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; brother-in-law, Howard (Jo) Hensch; nieces, Vicky (Gerry) Schultz, Chris (Sid) Eckerman, and Sheryl (Steve) Yerington; and nephews, Harold (Kathy) Hensch, Robert (Eva) Belitz, Mike (Gail) Hensch, and John (Tracy) Hensch.

Ron was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carolyn; his parents, Herman and Frieda Belitz; parents-in-law, Herbert and Anna Hensch; brothers, Earl and Elmer Belitz; sisters-in-law, Wilma Belitz and Bonnie Hensch; brother-in-law, Harold Hensch; sons-in-law, Ken Vacek and David Tripp; daughter-in-law, Gloria Belitz; nieces, Kay Chambliss and Becky Paustian; and nephews, Joel Belitz and Mark Hensch.