Gerald Roger Rietfort

GERALD ROGER “JERRY” RIETFORT, age 85 of Reeds Lake, died at his home on Friday, January 12, 2024.

Jerry was born in Waseca on June 30, 1938, to parents John and Esther (Praxl) Rietfort.  He attended school in Waseca before serving with the US Army where he was stationed both in Korea and at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri.  On May 11, 1962, Jerry was married to Patricia Fitzpatrick in his parents’ living room.  Together they made their home in Waseca and raised three children before moving to their home on Reeds Lake in 1977.  He moonlighted for a time at Herter’s while working at the E.F. Johnson Company where he was employed for over 40 years.  At the time of his job interview, Edgar Johnson wrote on his application: “Nice hometown boy.  Let’s give him a chance”.  That thought proved to be wise, as at the time of his retirement Jerry had been promoted all the way to becoming Facilities Manager and the Manager of Plant Engineering.  Jerry was a lifelong overachiever whose affinity for blueberry pie will remain forever unmatched.  He enjoyed woodworking, hunting, fishing, trapshooting, small-bore and high-powered target shooting, and was a long-time member of St. John Lutheran Church, the Waseca American Legion, and the Waseca and Faribault Sportsman’s Clubs. 

Jerry is survived by two children, Kevin Rietfort of Waseca and Kerry (Matt) McGuire both of Waseca; two grandsons who were the twinkle in his eye, Kevin and Kyle McGuire; a brother-in-law, James Fitzpatrick of Reeds Lake; and numerous nieces; nephews; cousins; and friends.  He was preceded in death by both of his parents; his wife Patricia; a daughter, Korrinne; two brothers, Dwayne (Marlene) Rietfort and Jack (Jannet) Rietfort; and siblings-in-law, Gerald and Nancy Yetter and Gigi Fitzpatrick.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at the Third Street Chapel of Dennis-Steffel-Omtvedt Funeral and Cremation Service in Waseca and will continue for one hour before the service at the church on Wednesday.