Ralph Edwin Potratz, 75, of Waterloo, died Sunday, April 28, 2024, at his home.

He was born March 31, 1949, in Oelwein, the son of Carl and Alice (Downing) Potratz. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Westgate. He attended parochial school (K-8) in Westgate and graduated from West Central High School in 1967.

Ralph was called to faithfully serve his country in the US Army in 1969. He received his basic training at Fort Polk, Louisiana. For his service in Vietnam, Ralph was awarded the Bronze Star, Air Medal, and Purple Heart. He attained the rank of corporal and was honorably discharged in 1971.

After his service, he attended Gates Business College in Waterloo, where he received his Associate Degree in Accounting. He worked as a dedicated employee for over four decades at Covenant Medical Center (now MercyOne) in the accounting department, retiring in 2016.

In his free time, Ralph loved putting puzzles together, painting figurines, learning new languages, and studying history.

Ralph is survived by two brothers, Robert Potratz and Russell (Glenda) Potratz of Cedar Falls; two sisters, Laurel Eickhoff of Kansas City, Missouri, and Loyce Oelrich of Fayette; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Randall and Roy Potratz; two sisters-in-law, Linda and Jean; two brothers in law, Charlie Eickhoff and Ken Oelrich.

He faithfully attended Grace Lutheran Church and he generously contributed to multiple local and global missions.

Funeral services: 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 2, 2024, at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Waterloo. Burial at Garden of Memories Cemetery where military honors will be conducted by Waterloo American Legion Post #138, Waterloo VFW Post #1623, and the Iowa Army National Guard Funeral Honor Guard. Visitation for one hour prior to services at the church. Memorials may be directed to Cedar Valley Hospice for their immeasurable care and support. Locke at Tower Park, 4140 Kimball Ave., Waterloo, is assisting the family. Condolences may be left at www.LockeFuneralServices.com. Locke at Tower Park, 319-233-3146.