Iris Mae Alitz

Iris Mae Alitz, 88, of Mason City, passed away Sunday, February 23, 2014 at the Good Shepherd Care Center. A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, March 7, 2014, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 213 N. Pennsylvania Avenue, with Pastor Kathy Graves officiating. Inurnment will take place in the Plymouth Oakwood Cemetery at a later date. Per her wishes, her body was cremated and there will be no visitation. Memorials may be directed to the Iris M. Alitz memorial fund in care of the family. Iris was born April 26, 1925, the daughter of Roy and Clara (Banken) Highsmith. She lived with various relatives as she grew up and spent over ten years living with George and Amanda (Banken) Renshaw. It was at this time her love of animals was nurtured and carried on throughout her life. In 1942, Iris graduated from Mason City High School and began her working career at Montgomery Ward and the A & P Grocery. On June 3rd, 1946, she married Harley K. Alitz and raised a family of three daughters and one son as a stay at home mom. She later returned to work and was employed at Good Shepherd Care Center and United Home Bank, retiring in 1987. After retirement, she enjoyed temporary jobs at H & R Block and the U.S Census Bureau. An active, committed member in her political party, Iris spent many years volunteering at the polls. She enjoyed young people and mentored many as a 4-H leader, Sunday school teacher and Cub Scout Leader. She was baptized at the age of 21 and joined Trinity Lutheran Church, becoming a lifelong member. Iris was a strong influence in the spiritual lives of her children. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Harlan; three daughters, Barbara (Doug) Potter of Greensboro, North Carolina, Jean Sagara of Wellfleet, Massachusetts and Nancy Ady of Burley Idaho; one son David (Becky) of Rock Port, Missouri; 8 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren; sisters Janice King, Shirley (Myron) Hulsing, Avis Ubben; and brother Bob (Doris) Highsmith. Iris was preceded in death by her parents and a brother Roy Highsmith Jr.

Cemetery:
Inurnment will take place in the Plymouth Oakwood Cemetery at a later date

Memorials may be directed to the Iris M. Alitz memorial fund in care of the family

Visitation:
Per her wishes, her body was cremated and there will be no visitation