Roland Genz
Roland A. Genz, 91, of Harpers Ferry died Sunday, February 11, 2024, at his home. Funeral services were held Saturday, February 17 at Martin - Grau Funeral Home in Waukon with Pastor Kim Gates officiating. Burial with military honors was at Sixteen Cemetery, rural Monona.
Roland Alfred Genz was born December 21, 1932, in Postville, the son of Herbert and Carrie (Schlitter) Genz. He grew up in Allamakee County and attended school through eighth grade. When Roland was nine years old, his family moved to the Quad Cities.
From 1951-55, Roland served in the U.S. Navy as an aircraft mechanic. October 11, 1952, he married Ilene Marie Shoemaker in Camanche. After being honorably discharged, Roland moved to Clinton and worked various jobs: as a garbage man, pouring concrete, and working in a scrapyard. He then worked for Farmall in Rock Island, IL, before going to John Deere in the early 1970s, at which point he and the family moved to Le Claire.
In 1991, he retired as the maintenance supervisor. He and Ilene then permanently moved to Harpers Ferry. After Ilene died in 2016, Petey the orange cat became his beloved companion for the past eight years.
He loved fishing on the river for panfish and catfish, and deer hunting; from 1965-1982, Roland and friends would take their annual hunting trip to Wyoming. An avid bowler and golfer, he participated in the John Deere golf league for many years, eventually giving up both sports once COVID hit. He was quite the handyman and tinkerer as well. Roland was a member of the American Legion in Harpers Ferry.
He is survived by his five children: LaVonne Bouvia of Waukon, Wesley (Lori) Genz of Mt. Hope, WI, Lee (Mel) Genz of Bettendorf, Sue Partello of Dubuque and Denise Bolt of Harpers Ferry; 15 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Bernice Yeoman of Harpers Ferry.
Roland was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ilene; a sister, Evelyn Balichek; a brother, Wayne (Eva) Genz; a nephew, Roger Genz; and a brother-in-law, William Yeoman.
Roland’s family members will serve as casketbearers. Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.
