Ricky Joseph Peitz

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla.— Ricky Joseph Peitz, 61, Port Charlotte, Fla., formerly of Crofton, died Oct. 20, 2021, at the Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, Yankton, S.D.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Oct. 29, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Crofton, with the Rev. Jim Keiter officiating. Burial will be at Beaver Creek Cemetery, rural Crofton.

Pallbearers will be Ricky Jr. Peitz, KP Peitz, Michael Peitz, Larry Peitz, Don Peitz, Kevin Peitz, and Greg Peitz.

Visitation will be Thursday, at church, from 5-7 p.m., with a Vigil service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue Friday, one hour prior to services.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz Funeral Home, Crofton.

Rick was born Jan. 17, 1960, at Crofton, to Jim and Arlis (Eickhoff) Peitz. He graduated from Crofton High School as a four-year letterman in basketball and track. He continued his passion for basketball at the collegiate level playing for Northeast Community College and studying construction. In 1986, Rick traveled across the United States to build golf courses until he set his roots in Englewood, Fla., in 1988. Rick started his own irrigation business, Tropical Irrigation Inc., which operated for 21 years and employed over 50 members of the local community. For the past eight years, Rick was a successful real estate agent for Keller Williams and Paradise Exclusive.

Rick’s passion for his children overflowed into the community where he served as a coach for youth baseball, football and basketball programs, a school volunteer, and as an assistant Boy Scout leader. He enjoyed his little red truck, hunting, golfing, cycling, cooking, gardening and home improvement.

Rick is survived by his father, Jim, Crofton; four siblings and their spouses, Kathy Peitz, Yankton, S.D.; Larry and Judy Peitz, Crofton; Don and Jean Peitz, Yankton, S.D.; and Kevin and Pam Peitz, Pierce; three children, Ricky Peitz Jr., Frederick, Md.; KP Peitz, Engelwood, Fla., and Michael Peitz, Engelwood, Fla;, and toy poodle, Lucy.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Arlis, and a sister, Patty Peitz.