Lyle Ray Laartz, 85, Passes Away After Long Battle with Cancer
UPDATE: Lyle Ray Laartz, aged 85, has passed away on October 21, 2025, at South Shore Hospital in Sun City Center, Florida. Surrounded by family, Laartz succumbed to complications from a two-year battle with gastric cancer, exacerbated by radiation effects and kidney disease.
Born on August 15, 1940, in Anita, Iowa, Laartz was a dedicated family man and community leader. He graduated from Iowa State University in 1962 with a degree in Civil Engineering, following a childhood spent cultivating hard work on his family farm.
Laartz married his high school sweetheart, Karen Hamann, in 1961. The couple raised their three children, Brian, Brent, and Amy, in various Iowa towns before eventually retiring to Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, and then to Florida. He was immensely proud of his family, including six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
For 39 years, Laartz served as County Engineer for two Northern Iowa counties, overseeing critical infrastructure projects like roads and bridges. His dedication earned him the title of Iowa County Engineer of the Year, and he even served as president of the Iowa County Engineers Association.
Laartz was an active member of the Elks Lodge and the Masonic Lodge, serving as Exalted Ruler of the Charles City Elks Lodge. He also contributed to the community through various roles, including an 18-year tenure as HOA president at the Lake of the Ozarks and volunteering as a driver for the Good Samaritan organization in Florida.
Beyond his professional life, Laartz had a passion for entertainment. He participated in community theater productions and enjoyed organizing events like the Hillbilly Open Golf Tournament. His love for reading led him to donate an extensive book collection to the local library when he moved to Florida.
Laartz’s legacy extends to the personal joys he created for his family, including handcrafted doll furniture for his granddaughters and cherished memories made on family boat rides. He was often surrounded by friends and loved ones, embodying a spirit of warmth and camaraderie.
Laartz is survived by his wife Karen, sons Brian (Brenda) and Brent, daughter Amy, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be remembered for his kindness, humor, and unwavering commitment to his family and community.
The family expresses deep gratitude to the Sun City Center Emergency Squad for their support and transportation to dialysis three times a week, as well as to the doctors and nurses who provided care during his illness.
Online condolences can be left for the family at www.altogetherfuneral.com/obituaries/d-20875624/sun-city-center-florida.
As the community mourns the loss of Lyle Ray Laartz, his contributions and spirit will undoubtedly be remembered by those whose lives he touched.
