Thomas D. Moritz

Thomas Dale Moritz was born August 31, 1932, to Joseph J. and Evan K. Corpstein Moritz at Tipton, Kansas. He departed this life of 76 years on Thursday, October 30, 2008, at the Mitchell County Hospital in Beloit after a courageous 13 year battle with cancer.

"Tom" as everyone knew him, moved with his family to Beloit at an early age. He graduated from St. John's High School in the Class of 1950 and then continued his education at Kansas State University where he graduated in 1954 with a Bachelors degree in Business Administration. He was a member of Phi Kappa Theta fraternity.

On June 5, 1954, he was united in marriage to Marlene Ruth Miller at St. John's Catholic Church in Beloit. This union of 54 years was blessed with three children, Craig, Susan, and Carol.

Tom, along with his brother Stanley, and cousin Jim Pestinger owned and operated Moritz Implement Company in Beloit and Cawker City Implement Company in Cawker City for many years. His honest, jovial, and congenial demeanor enabled him to be very successful while making lasting friendships along the way. Believing the only customer was a satisfied customer, he went to great lengths to ensure customer satisfaction.

Tom was also a man of great vision. He was quick to see upcoming changes and prepare for them accordingly, always in a positive, upbeat manner. He was instrumental in providing busses for USD 273 when unification took place. He served on the Beloit City Council, and was past president of the Western Association.

Besides work, Tom had a deep love for his family, flying, reading, taking long walks, and KSU athletics. Always there for his family, he treasured the time he spent with them and especially enjoyed his grandchildren and supporting their activities. Tom was a pilot and served in the US Air Force during the Korean Conflict. He loved flying, and he built his own bi-wing airplane during his retirement years. Tom enjoyed the great outdoors and especially liked taking the RV to Arizona for the winter months.

Tom was a faithful member of St. John's Catholic Church. He took an active role in leadership and was Co-Chairman of the
restoration of the church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Craig Moritz, and one brother, Stanley Moritz.

Left to mourn his passing and celebrate his life are his wife Marlene, daughters Sue Schuster and husband Bob of Topeka, Carol Thomas and husband Mike of Beloit; daughter-in-law Annabeth Nicholson of Beloit, sister Alberta Uhlrich and husband John of Wamego, brothers David Moritz and wife Becky of Arlington, Texas, J.R. Moritz and wife Cheryl of Tempe, Arizona; ten grandchildren Jessica, Steven, Matthew, and Phillip Schuster; Madelyn, Cole, and Max Thomas; Megan Bonebrake and husband Scott, Molly, and Morgan Moritz; and many, many friends.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M. Monday, November 3, 2008 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church by Father Joseph Kieffer. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be given to St. John's Catholic School or St. John's Memorial Trust Fund.

The Parish Vigil & Rosary Service will be held at 7:00 P.M. Sunday at the church.

Friends may call from 1:00 P.M. until 5:00 P.M. Sunday at the McDonald Funeral Home.