Robert C. Platz

DYERSVILLE, IOWA

Robert C. Platz, 83, of Dyersville, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, surrounded by his loving family at MercyOne Medical Center in Dyersville.

Robert was born on April 8, 1943, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Gilbert Joseph and Valeria Elizabeth (Griener) Platz. He graduated from Xavier High School in 1961. Robert proudly served in the United States Navy from 1962 to 1965.

On July 26, 1969, Robert married the love of his life, Rose Ann “Rosie” Pins, in Earlville, Iowa. Together they built a loving family and shared 57 years of marriage.

Robert began working at Tegeler’s Dairy at the age of seven and continued there through his teenage years. Throughout his career, he worked for Tegeler’s Dairy, Kreeb Cleaners, and Scherrman’s Appliance.

Robert was deeply committed to his community and dedicated countless hours to serving others. He was a member of the Dyersville Fire Department from 1968 to 2018, serving for 50 years, including 18 years as Fire Chief. He served 12 years on the Dyersville City Council and was active with the Dyersville Sportsman Club and the Commercial Club, serving two years as president.

Robert was a longtime member of the American Legion, serving as Commander of Legion Post 137 beginning in 1972 and later as an Adjutant for Legion District 2. He was honored as the American Legion District 2 Firefighter of the Year. He also served seven years on the Iowa Firefighters Association Board and was President of the Board in 1989. For 19 years, he represented Iowa as a state delegate for the National Volunteer Fire Council. From 2008 to 2016, he volunteered with FEMA, reading and scoring fire grant applications.

Robert also served 20 years with the Catholic Order of Foresters, including many years as secretary and treasurer.

His dedication to community service was recognized with numerous honors, including the Jaycees Citizen of the Year Award and the Governor’s Award for Community Service.

Above all, Robert was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He cherished his family and was especially proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Rose Ann “Rosie” Platz; his children: Amy (Mike) Budan, Brian (Brenda) Platz, Kevin (Erin Swailes) Platz, Molly (Chad) Dunne, and Dr. Timothy (Amber) Platz; 11 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his siblings: Carol (Chuck) Wessels, Dan (June) Platz, Sandy Schoening, Charlie Platz, Jane (Bill) Sullivan, Dale (Sue) Platz, and Susie (Brad) Helle; along with nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gilbert and Valeria Platz; his sister, Darlene Hoffman; and his father and mother in-law, Jerry and Ethel Pins and brother in-law Dr. Donald Luettjohann, Dwight Schoening and sister in-law Carol (Langel) Platz.

Robert’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Veterans Administration and the many doctors and nurses who cared for and helped him over the last 10 years.

Visitation will be held from 2:00–7:00 p.m. Monday, August 17, 2026, at Kramer-Morris Funeral Home in Dyersville, where the fire department will attend at 6 p.m. and a service held by American Legion Post #137 at 7 p.m. with visitation continuing at the funeral home from 9:00–10:00 a.m. Tuesday prior to the funeral.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville, with burial in the church cemetery where military honors will be accorded by American Legion Post #137. Ringing of the Four Fives will be accorded by Dyersville Fire Department and Delaware County Honor Guard. Rev. Herbert Pins will officiate.

Robert leaves behind a lifetime of service, a legacy of love, and a family who will carry his memory in their hearts forever.

In lieu of flowers, consider a memorial donation to Dyersville Red Jackets or American Legion Post 137

Kramer-Morris Funeral Home (Dyersville, Guttenberg, Garnavillo, Monticello, Holy Cross) is assisting the family and online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramer-morrisfuneralhome.com.