Matthew Retz

Matthew Retz, 23, passed away Sunday, August 5, 2018 at his home in Charles City.  Funeral Services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 15th at Zion St. John Lutheran Church in Sheffield with Rev. Kim Wills presiding.  Visitation will be 4:00-8:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 14th at Zion St. John Lutheran Church, Sheffield.

Matthew Jon Retz was born April 7, 1995, in Waverly, Iowa, a son of Fredric and Nancy (Peterson) Retz.  Matthew was baptized May 1995 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Waverly and was confirmed October 2009 at Zion St. John Lutheran Church, Sheffield.  Matthew attended elementary and middle school at the SCMT schools.  He graduated from West Fork High School and received his Eagle Scout in May of 2013.

After graduation, Matt attended Wartburg College for a short time, before finding his passion in EMS.  Matt attended DMACC in Ankeny, and obtained his certification as a paramedic in 2014.  Matt was employed in EMS at Franklin General Hospital, Hampton; Midwest Ambulance Service, Des Moines; and at AMR Ambulance in Charles City where he loved his work and teaching community CPR.  Matt was a past member of Sheffield Emergency Squad and was currently a volunteer for Charles City Search and Rescue. Matt was a caregiver and a teacher through and through.  Anyone who had the privilege of knowing Matt knew that it did not matter how much or how little or how long you knew him, if you knew him he was your friend.

Matt is survived by his parents, Fred and Nancy Retz; Sisters:  Caitlin (Paul Tauro) Retz; Sarah Retz; Brother: Jacob Retz; Grandparents: Ron Peterson; Dick and Shirley Retz; Aunts and Uncles: Brian Peterson, Alison (Mark) Law, Brenda (Rick) Laslo, Celia (John) Nelson, Drew (Lisa) Retz, Rev. Elizabeth Retz. Cousins: Cadence Nez-Peterson, Sarah Nez-Peterson, Chris Law, Heather (Tommy) Powers, Andrew Laslo, Rachel Laslo, Adam Nelson, Samantha (Travis) Smith, Jamie (Daniel) Heeren, Ben Retz, Frank Nez, Jr.; Foreign-exchange sisters: Jana Wolgast, Germany, Marilia Mendes, Brazil and Giulia Monoco, Italy; all of his EMS brothers and sisters;  and his faithful K-9 companions, Skeeter and Duke.

He is preceded in death by his grandmother, Luanne Peterson, cousin, Lyle Retz and his cherished beagle Megan