Clifford L. Alitz

Clifford L. Alitz, 94, of Nora Springs, died Thursday, November 8, 2012, at the Nora Springs Care Center. Memorial services will be held at 2:30 P.M., on Thursday, November 15, 2012, at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., with Pastor Kathy Graves of Trinity Lutheran Church officiating. There will be a gathering of family and friends one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be at Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery. Clifford was born on the family farm in Mason City on April 22, 1918, the son of Henry and Clara (Schroyer) Alitz. Growing up, Clifford helped his family on the farm, alongside his siblings – Don, Bonnie, Rolland, Chuck, Raymond, and Harvey. He married the love of his life and best friend, Arlene Pettey, on January 29, 1947, in Albert Lea, MN. In 1985, he was inducted into the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame. Clifford owned and operated Alitz Excavating for many years. Following his retirement, Clifford enjoyed working for Blackmore Nursery. He also enjoyed gardening – growing wonderful watermelons, tomatoes and other vegetables. Clifford took great pride in his yard work, and was very meticulous about his driveway. During the winter months, he made sure his driveway was “ice free” at all times. Family was important to Clifford, and he always looked forward to Christmas and 4th of July gatherings with the Hugo family. Clifford was a great storyteller with true life stories and loved all people. He adored the staff at the Nora Springs Care Center – especially Darla Parker “Lala”, who became a very close friend. Clifford and Arlene rode in the 2012 Nora Springs Buffalo Days Parade as King and Queen of the Nora Springs Care Center. Clifford is survived by his wife of 65 years: Arlene Alitz of Nora Springs; 1 daughter: Judy Christensen; his grandchildren: Kim Christensen, Steve Christensen, John Christensen and wife Colleen, Bruce Hugo and wife Leslie, and Julie Hugo-Sumpter and husband Scott; and 1 brother: Harvey Alitz and wife Elaine. He is also survived by many great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife: Dorothy Rose Calicchia; 1 daughter: Nancy Hugo and husband Gunther; 1 sister: Bonnie Edgar and husband Rolland; and 4 brothers: Charlie Alitz, Rolland Alitz and wife Shirley, Raymond Alitz and wife Arlene, Donald Alitz, and a brother in infancy, Kenneth.

Cemetery:
Inurnment will be at Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery

Visitation:
There will be a gathering of family and friends one hour prior to the service

Service:
Memorial services will be held at 2:30 P.M., on Thursday, November 15, 2012, at Major Erickson Funeral Home