Roger L. Rietz

Roger Lee Rietz, 63, passed away on December 12, 2025, in Bettendorf, Iowa, following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. 

Roger was born on May 31, 1962, in Davenport, Iowa, and spent his life rooted in the Quad Cities. A journeyman machinist by trade, Roger dedicated 25 years to Arconic’s roll shop. Known personally and professionally as a hard worker, creative problem solver, and knowledgeable teacher, Roger had a reputation for f iguring things out – no matter the conditions; he never hesitated to lend a hand. 

On August 1, 1992, Roger married the love of his life, Mary Clark. Together they built a life centered on family, laughter, and unwavering support. Roger was a devoted husband, a proud father, and an adoring grandfather – roles he embraced wholeheartedly and carried with quiet pride. 

Roger will be remembered as a jokester with a quick wit and a mischievous sense of humor. He was quite the storyteller, a master of inside jokes, and ready with comic relief when needed most. A choco-holic, bargain hunter, strategy and card game enthusiast, and lover of roller coasters, Roger approached life with curiosity, enthusiasm, and a need for speed. He loved working on cars and motorcycles, collecting coolers, finding a good deal, and – most importantly – enjoying good food. Holidays were never complete without Roger carrying a fork in his back pocket, ready for whatever dish came next. 

Within his family, Roger was the steady helper, teacher, and the comic relief all in one. Guided by a strong work ethic and a belief that hard work pays off; Roger showed his love through action. He was dependable, practical, and always there when you needed him. His familiar reminders – “Did you check your oil?” and “What about your tires?” – were simply his way of saying he cared. He showed his love by showing up, again and again – even if you didn’t hold that flashlight quite right. 

Roger is survived by his loving wife, Mary Rietz; his children, Mindy Rietz, Ashley Wilkens (Allen), and Brandon Rietz; and his grandchildren, Keeley, Beckett, and Taylor Wilkens, and Caleb and Eisley Rees, who were a constant source of pride and joy. He is also survived by his siblings, Rita McMahon (Michael), Robin Kubat (John), Richard Rietz, and Rhonda Brockmann. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rosemary Rietz (née Pancratz) and Ronald Rietz, and his brother, Randal Rietz. 

Visitation will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on December 30, 2025 at Schroder Mortuary in Silvis, Ill., with a private funeral service to follow. In lieu of f lowers, memorial donations may be made in Roger’s honor to the Lustgarten Foundation to advance pancreatic cancer research at lustgarten.org. 

Roger’s legacy lives on in the laughter he sparked, the problems he solved, the help he gave without hesitation, and the countless ways he showed love— often with humor, always with heart.