Daniel Joseph Reelitz
December 25, 1948 - January 17, 2023
Daniel Joseph Reelitz, 74, passed away on January 17, 2023, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center after a brief illness with Covid. He was born December 25, 1948, to Carl E. and Florence M. (Croat) Reelitz in Des Moines, Iowa. Dan attended St. John’s Catholic Grade School and Dowling High School. After graduating he attended college in Centerville, and Marshalltown.
In 1971, Dan joined the Des Moines Police Department where he served until 1988. He genuinely believed it was an honor to serve the citizens of Des Moines. Dan also served as Evidence Technician for the Polk County Sheriff's Office and most recently worked for Floral Distributors Inc. delivering flowers to Hy-Vee Floral Departments.
Dan was an avid Notre Dame fan with an abundance of apparel and memorabilia. He didn’t just collect “Fighting Irish things” -- he valued the cherished memories and experiences connected to them. He was grateful for any football season that had him in a choice opening home game seat and never missed staying for the Alma Mater Hymn of Hope song at the end, a special Reelitz tradition.
Anyone who knew Dan knew that his family was the most important thing in the world, especially his grandchildren who he could teach and help navigate through life.
Dan is survived by his wife Peggy, and children Meagan (Dennis) Kim, Martinez, CA, Seth Reelitz (Carrie White), Arcata, CA, Nikki McFarland, Urbandale, IA, Tyler (Robyn) Christian, Charlotte, NC, Brittni Reelitz & Jordan (Sigrid Plaser) Reelitz , Salt Lake City, UT, his four brothers Larry (Dianne), West Des Moines, IA, Mike (Mary Jane), Johnston, IA, Terry (Mary) New Port Richey, FL, Brian, Cumming, IA and sister Brenda (Gary) Schuldt, Urbandale, IA, sister-in-law Kathy Stater, Ottumwa, IA and brother- in-law Pat (Bea) Flahive, Urbandale, IA. Grandchildren Kaydan McFarland, Kaleb McFarland, Isaiah Kim, Lillian Kim, Jameson Christian, Leo Christian, Walker Christian, and several nieces and nephews.
Dan is preceded in death by his parents, mother and father-in-law, sister-in-law Donna Peters, brothers- in-law George Stater & Ed Peters. Dan was a lifelong member of the Basilica St. John.
Visitation will be from 4-7pm Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at Iles Funeral Home Grandview Park Chapel at 3211 Hubbell Ave. Mass of Christian burial at 12-Noon Wednesday January 25, 2023 at the Basilica of St. John. Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery, Pleasant Hill, IA.
Fun times always found Dan anywhere he went. His siblings were convinced that he was a local legend. It was common to be asked “Is Danny Reelitz your brother?”, usually followed by a great story involving Dan—that made you proud to say that he was.
There was not a more skilled, captivating storyteller than Dan. The storyteller may be gone, but his stories will live on. Memorial contributions may be directed to Carl & Florence Reelitz Endowment at Dowling Catholic High School. https://www.dowlingcatholic.org/annual-appeal-form?siteId=1200
To donate by mail send a check made out to Dowling Catholic High School to:
Dowling Catholic High School
1400 Buffalo Rd.
West Des Moines, IA 50265
Attention: Kathy Kirby Power
Add Dan's name in the memo of the check
To donate by phone, call Kathy at 515-222-1002
