Peter J. Geditz

Mass of Christian Burial for Peter J. Geditz, 87, was at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Ipswich, with Fr. Timothy Cone serving as Celebrant. Burial followed the service at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery.

Peter Joseph Geditz was born September 14, 1936, to Peter and Josephine (Sindelar) Geditz on the farm in rural Ipswich. Pete attended Ipswich School and graduated in 1954. From October of 1959 to April of 1960 and again from October of 1962 to August of 1963, Pete was a member of the United States Army. He completed Basic Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., and served during the Berlin Crisis.

Pete met Patricia German from Hankinson, N.D., and they started their life together on October 5, 1974, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Aberdeen. They shared their lives on the Geditz farm southwest of Ipswich and were blessed with three wonderful sons: Kenneth P. (Adrianne) Geditz of Ipswich, Steven C. Geditz (deceased 1982 from cancer), and Anthony R. (Rhonda) Geditz of Ipswich. In 1986, Pat and Pete felt that since one of their beloved children had gone to heaven, God wanted them to provide a home for someone who did not have one, thus they adopted 10-year-old Cindy Lee Skon from an orphanage in Korea.

Pete loved to work the land and work with cattle. It was his pride and joy to work with his sons on the farm where he was born and raised. The Geditz Farm has been in the family since 1905. Pete also loved horses and raised and trained his own thoroughbreds for many years. He enjoyed his family and friends and always made time for a card game.

After Pete's wife passed away in 2012, he stayed busy on the farm, tended to a few rose bushes behind his house, spent time with his grandchildren and visiting with anyone that would take the time to sit with him on the swing by his front door. On November 1, 2022, Pete began living at Prairie Heights Healthcare in Aberdeen. He passed away with his family at his side on Wednesday, June 12, 2024.

Pete was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church and the Catholic Order of Foresters. He was also the Harmony Township Clerk for 23 years.

Pete is survived by his sons Kenneth and Tony; daughter Cindy and their spouses; his grandchildren Emery, Bryce, Steven, Lorena, Zach, Tristan, Margaret, Brandon, Alex and Abby; his brothers, Bernard "Mike" Geditz of Ipswich, Raymond (Karen) Geditz of Ipswich, Gerald (Mary) Geditz of Mansfield, and Jerome (Pat) Geditz of Ipswich; sisters, Deloris Thares of Ipswich, Marie (Wayne) Enstice of Kentucky, Judy (Marvin) Seyer of Ipswich, Patty Schweitzer of Nevada, Jeanne Bieber of Bowdle, and Susan Klang of Minnesota; sister-in-law, Marion Geditz; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son Steven; wife Pat; brothers Robert J. Geditz, James Geditz and Fr. Roger Geditz; sisters-in-law Lillian Geditz, Camille Geditz and Beth Geditz; and brothers-in-law Bernard Thares, Leonard Schweitzer, and Dennis Bieber.

Arrangements are with Schriver Funeral Home, 720 N 6th Street, Ipswich.