Fred “Tex/Slim” Dotz born February 16, 1931 in Fond du Lac, WI to David Dotz and Helen Goeth, raised by Bertha V. Dotz and David Dotz. He is proceeded in death by both his parents, his brother David Dotz Jr. (Waterloo, IA), sisters Sally Hill (Dotz) and Judy Elizabeth Gallmeyer (Huffman/Dotz). Fred was always known as the man who would give the shirt off his back for anyone that needed it, and in his forties Fred gave his sister Sally a kidney! Fred Joined the U.S. Army after dropping out of school, he was later given a honorable discharge. Upon leaving the Army, Fred decided to join the carnival where he criss-crossed American, only to later “retire” and settle in Waterloo, IA and worked for Cattle Congress’s annual carnival running the Ferris wheel! He volunteered at the Salvation Army any chance he could get, he cooked many holiday meals for many needy families of Blackhawk county and surrounding areas, everyone could depend on his friendly face.

For thirty-five years Fred lived in his apartment in Waterloo, IA, it wasn’t until 2016 that he moved to Ravenwood Nursing home till this present time. He religiously attended church, first at the Salvation Army then later Kimball Methodist Church.

Fred could always be seen, and known, to wear his classic cowboy hat, boots and spurs. He enjoyed his western movies, music, live band especially his nephews band Dakota, stuffed animals and animals in general.

He is survived by his niece Crystal Caudill of Cedar Falls, niece Kim and her husband Bruce of Pierre, South Dakota, nephew Russell and his wife Karen of Waterloo, IA.

“Oh the last goodbyes, the hardest one to say, and this is where the cowboy rides away…” Tell your sister Judy, your keeper, the rest of us say hello! Fair Winds and following seas.