Lee Roland Sturtz, age 96, of La Porte City, died Thursday, February 16, 2017, at UnityPoint Allen Hospital in Waterloo.

He was born January 6, 1921, on the family farm six miles south of La Porte City, the son of Arthur and Alice (Van Fleet) Sturtz.

Lee was united in marriage with Hila Betty Robson on June 7, 1943, in Independence, Iowa. She preceded him in death on May 22, 1999.

Lee began his career at Rath Packing Co. in Waterloo and also farmed near Alburnett, Iowa. While working at Rath, he was inducted into the US Army and served for nearly four years in San Diego and the Pacific theater of operation. Lee later worked the family farm near Brandon.

He also was employed by Steinbeck Trucking Co. in Brandon. He was a lifetime member of Brandon United Methodist Church and farming was his passion.

Survivors include his five children, Karen (Ronnie) Wilson of La Porte City, Terry (Julianne) Sturtz of Wickenburg, AZ, Steven (Elaine) Sturtz of Cedar Falls, Lee Jr. (Dawnye) Sturtz of Brandon, and Kimberly (Kimm) Pennell of La Porte City; eleven grandchildren, five step grandchildren; many great grandchildren and step great grandchildren; and a sister-in-law, Joyce Sturtz of Wisconsin.

Lee was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Hila; two sisters, Sandra Platt and Marilyn Fay Sturtz in infancy and three brothers, Donald, Allen, and Harold Sturtz.