Alexander Potratz
June 5, 1996 ~ September 10, 2013
Alexander Potratz, age 17 of Ionia, IA, died Tuesday morning, September 10, 2013, at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, MN, from injuries sustained in an auto accident.
Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, September 16, 2013 at St. John Lutheran Church, 200 S. Main Street, Charles City with Pastor Dennis Niezwaag presiding. Andrea DeVore will be the organist with Amy and Mary Catherine McDonough and James DeBerg as vocalists.
Interment will be in St. Boniface Cemetery, Ionia with Jack McDonough, Hunter Mueller, Ryan Donlan, Ramsey Bark, Isaac Masters, Seth Harrington, Austin Deutsch, Tryston Crook and Jacob Scribner as casketbearers. Honorary casketbearers are Cade Demro, Jacob Glaser, Shane Usher, Cole Berger, The Nashua Plainfield Freshman, Sophomore and Junior Football teammates.
Friends may greet the family 2:00 - 7:00 p.m. Sunday, September 15, 2013, at the Nashua-Plainfield High School Gymnasium. Visitation continues an hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.
Arrangements are with Hugeback Johnson Funeral Home - Olson Chapel in Nashua.
Alexander Ray Potratz was born June 5, 1996, in Waterloo, IA; the son of Kevin and Diane (Sorenson) Potratz. Alex went to Nashua Elementary School and was a senior at Nashua-Plainfield High School. He attended Republic United Church of Christ in rural Ionia and was confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Charles City, IA.
Alex loved to listen to music, especially classic rock. As a child, he loved being outdoors and helping his mom and dad in the garden. Alex loved playing with his dogs, Sadie and Dilly. He was currently building a gun case and enjoyed target practice. He was fond of riding bikes; playing X-Box; fishing; riding the lawn mower; he enjoyed watching his older brother play rugby; participating in mission trips through St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church; lifting weights; and being a center on the Nashua-Plainfield Football Team. Alex was very patriotic and loved his country. He helped with many fundraisers for the Ionia Fire Department where the crew enjoyed his enthusiasm.
Alex’s family and friends were very important to him. He had many good times with his friends Cade Demro, Jacob Glaser, Shane Usher and his cousin, Jack McDonough. Alex treasured the time he spent with his grandparents and especially enjoyed World War II stories from Grandpa Ray. He had a very close relationship with his mom and dad and cherished their time together. Alex was so dearly loved by his step-father, Derek Day, and was so proud of the wonderful example he set for Alex and the community.
Alex had a strong, Christian faith and will be overjoyed to spend eternity with all his family that have gone before him.
Survivors include his mother, Diane (Derek) Day of Ionia; his father, Kevin Potratz of Nashua; one brother, Andy Potratz of Ankeny, IA; ten aunts, Mary Adkins of Cedar Rapids, Judy (Chuck) Smith of Oelwein, Linda (Marv) Folstad of Hesper, IA, June Wood of Waukee, IA, Angie (Randy) Dieken, Carrie (Alan) DeBerg all of Dike, Terri (Wes) Wadey of Nashua, Kathy Day-Bobb of Sunnyvale, CA, Michelle (Steve) Bartling of Ackley and Jill Tidman of Bondurant, IA; two uncles, Mark (Bonnie) Potratz of Nashua and Jon (Angie) Day of Charles City; many cousins.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Ray and Betty Sorenson and paternal grandparents, Milton and Evelyn Potratz; and his dogs, Sadie, Lucky, Ranger and Bo.
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To Diane and family, Kevin and family. So sorry for your loss. Joe and I will always remember Alex riding up and down the driveway on his tricycle. Keep in your hearts he was a special young man and made everyone proud who knew him. God Bless you and depend on God’s strength in this time of sorrow. Joe and Donna Copper
Jerry Homeyer lit a candle in memory of Alexander Potratz
John &Mary Tegtmeier & Family lit a candle in memory of Alexander Potratz
Mary Heinemann lit a candle in memory of Alexander Potratz
To all of Alex Potratz families I would like to extend my deepest sympathy for your loss. May Jesus give you comfort and strength now and in the days to come. Marlene Sowers
The Geise Family lit a candle in memory of Alexander Potratz
The Geise Family lit a candle in memory of Alexander Potratz
Diane So sorry to hear about Alex. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Marcella McCormick
DeAnn Crabtree And Family lit a candle in memory of Alexander Potratz
Jean Schloemer lit a candle in memory of Alexander Potratz
Andy, Kevin and family, We are so sorry for your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Mark and Jean Schloemer
Dear Diane and family, I just got two and two put together by a family member that Alex is your son! I am so very sorry for the loss of your son! I don’t know what to say because my heart aches for you! My and Caleb’s thoughts and prayers are with you! He will always be remembered by all those who love him! Again we are so very sorry! Thinking of you all, Heather, Josh & Caleb Sinnwell
Diane and Derek, Kevin and Andy, So very sorry for the loss of your Son and Brother. It is apparent that he was a ‘one of a kind guy’ who will be remembered always. We received a sympathy card a while ago that says, ‘Perhaps they are not stars, but smiles of loved ones gone before us!’ As you look up at the sky at night, rermember that Alex will be looking down at you with Smiles and Love. Treasure all your memories. You are all in our thoughts and prayers, Darlene and Larry Throndson
Diane, Derek and Family, We are so very sorry for your loss of Alex. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Jerry and Lynne Barta
Beautiful in Blue was purchased for the family of Alexander Potratz.
I did not know Alex, but as a fellow NP student I see how many lifes he had touched in the community and surrounding areas. My heart aches for all those he was so close to. In a time like this we ask so many questions as to why something like this would happen, but in the end only one person has the answer and that is our loving Father, God. He will wrap Alex in his arms and keep him safe until he is with his family again. Try not to sit and wonder why something so horrific could happen to such a wonderful man, but instead let your hearts know that he is in safe hands and we will all see him again. Heartwarming thoughts, Trisha Kaiser
Aaron & Shawn Hauser lit a candle in memory of Alexander Potratz
Diane, Oh so sorry you have to go through this… Praying for your strength and courage to face the tough moments ahead. Hang on to the memories and your faith. With sympathy, Erin Ludwig and family
Tracey Martin-Stumme lit a candle in memory of Alexander Potratz
We extend our sincere sympathy to all of your family at this very sad time. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Ben & Mary Ryan, New Hampton
Kevin & Lisa Flick Family lit a candle in memory of Alexander Potratz
Shelby Hites lit a candle in memory of Alexander Potratz
When the prayer request came through from our church prayer chain for a Nashua student, my heart stopped! Chances were pretty high it was one of my former students. It is the hardest part of my job as a driver ed teacher, and I was devastated to hear about Alex. My heart grieves your loss, and my family has kept yours in prayer since the news. Alex was an amazing young man and he will be deeply missed by everyone who was lucky enough to get to know him. ~Mrs. Peg Kleve
Praying for your family. May you find the strength to move forward during this most difficult time. My daughter worked with him and thought a lot of him. Sounds like he was an amazing person. God Bless
Thoughts & prayers for everyone in Alex’s family, his friends & the N-P football team. He has touched so many lives in his short time here with us. I will remember how much fun we had on our trip to Washington D.C. Alex was the quietest one in the group but he was always smiling. So happy to have those memories. Hold the good times forever in your hearts. Zenda Vikturek
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time. Cling to the Holy Spirit and he will help you get through this difficult time in your life, and know that Alex is in a better place then any of us. Orlin and Deb Sudol
Claude And Nancy Babcock lit a candle in memory of Alexander Potratz
Hyde Family lit a candle in memory of Alexander Potratz
We are praying for all of you as you go through this unbearable time. Several years ago my husband died in a vehicle accident. The week following his death was like a black hole. Three things helped me and I pray that they are a help to you: •B-R-E-A-T-H-E I found that it hurt to breathe at times or that I would almost forget to breathe deeply at times. Others needed me, I knew I had to keep breathing. There were times that I felt I had so much to do and it overwhelmed me. I would tell myself, ‘All I got to do is breathe.’ •Run and cling to JESUS. This wasn’t always easy, the pain was so great. But just like a parent responds to a newborn’s cry, our loving Lord responds to our deep groanings. Many times I cried out for the LORD to just hold me up. He did. I would curl up in a chair and ask the Great Comforter to hold me all night. He has been faithful. •One moment at a time, one breath at a time, one prayer at a time. People told me to take it one day at a time. Are you kidding me?! A day is full of minutes, 1440 minutes to be exact, and each minute can be agonizing. So I made my own saying, ‘One moment at a time, one breath at a time, one prayer at a time.’ And I told myself this often. Hugs and shared tears, Christine S.
Ferch Family lit a candle in memory of Alexander Potratz
The Fisher Family lit a candle in memory of Alexander Potratz
The Jenison Family lit a candle in memory of Alexander Potratz
Kristol lit a candle in memory of Alexander Potratz
Christina Evans Stroud lit a candle in memory of Alexander Potratz
diane, my prayers for you and your family on the loss of alex. dan kennedy
The best memory of Alex is his smile. It was so genuine and lit the whole room with his light. You will be missed. Rest in Peace.
Patrick And Mary Lynch lit a candle in memory of Alexander Potratz
Rhonda Rosol lit a candle in memory of Alexander Potratz
Jill Jordan lit a candle in memory of Alexander Potratz
thoughts and prayers are with you and your family’s at this difficult time, may god wrap his loving arms around all of you
Tim And Rebecca Heidenwirth lit a candle in memory of Alexander Potratz
CJ And Danelle Krull lit a candle in memory of Alexander Potratz
To Alex’s Family, I was blessed to get to know Alex over the past 2 years. I had the honor to be one of his high school football coaches. He will live in my heart forever. Tim Heidenwirth
Katie Rich lit a candle in memory of Alexander Potratz
Diane, Derek, and family, You have our deepest sympathy for the loss of Alex. Although we haven’t seen him for years, it sounds like he matured into a remarkable young man. God must have a plan for him that is hard for us to understand. I remember him with his cute little shy smile when you would be in the grocery store or downtown shopping. We pray the love and support of family and friends will bring you comfort. Joe and Sharon Haskovec
Diane and Derek-So sorry to hear about your loss. You have my deepest sympathies. J.C. Schnurr
Mary Adkins and Family– Although I never met Alex, I know that he was like a grandson to you, Mary. It does not seem fair to lose such a wonderful young man, at such a young age. Hold tight to your memories, they will get you through the tough days ahead. Know that many people are there to support you in your grief. Much love, your friend, Lynne Smith
Diane & Derek – we are sending you our prayers and sympathy. There just aren’t any words that we can use to comfort you at this time, but know that we are thinking about you and your family. Although we didn’t know Alex, he sounds like one terrific kid and that comes from you and the way he was brought up in life. God must have very special plans for Alex to take him at such a young age. The days and weeks ahead are going to be extremely hard so rely on your friends, family, church and community, Again, our sincerest sympathy & God Bless!
Our greatest sympathy, prayers and thoughts are with all of you during this horrific time! Beryl and Jan Biekert
Sad To See A Kid Struck Down So Young. I will Be Praying For Your Family This Week And In The Weeks After That
Diane & Derek, We are so sorry for your loss. Diane, you are such a great mom we know why Alex was loved by so many. He will be truly missed by all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Derek, and family. Dan and Audrey Lechtenberg
To the Family of Alex, Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. Alex was a great young man. I taught him in 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grade and had him in my advisor/advisee group in 8th grade. I also saw testament to his strong faith in God when we went on a church mission trip to Chicago. Diane and I were two of the chaperones and it was remarkable to see the faith of those young people grow as they helped those less fortunate than themselves. You can truly be proud of your son. Know that the faith he had has gained him a place with God. Melanie Johanningmeier
our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time and the days to come. Steve and Shirley Christensen
Bill & Renee Benning lit a candle in memory of Alexander Potratz
Diane and family, we are so very sorry for your loss. Words cannot express how bad we feel for you. Know that people are there for you in your hours of need, and let them help as they can. Les and Nancy Folstad
Diane, My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your family. Although I didn’t know Alex, you talked about him and his activities all the time, and it was easy to see how proud you were of him. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers, and with God’s help, you will find the strength to get through this. Cathy Humpal
George lit a candle in memory of Alexander Potratz
‘LIT A CANDLE IN MEMORY OF ALEXANDER POTRATZ’ DEREK POTRATZ AND AMBER BALDWIN.
The Krull Family lit a candle in memory of Alexander Potratz
Jason & Jennifer Lantz lit a candle in memory of Alexander Potratz
To the family of Alex, We are so sorry about the loss of Alex. Alex was a great kid, intelligent and very witty. I taught him in 8th grade talented and gifted. He was such a sharp kid and our future problem solving team shared a lot of funny laughs over Alex’s comments. Be proud of the son you raised. He was truly a gift. He will be missed, but not forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you as you begin to heal and feel the spirit of Alex guiding you through the rest of your lives. ~Michael and Jill Kalvig & family
sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are for your family Brad Struve
Barb lit a candle in memory of Alexander Potratz
Bodensteiner Family sent a virtual gift in memory of Alexander Potratz
Our hearts, thoughts & prayers are with you during this difficult journey. Find peace & comfort in knowing you are not alone as you grieve. Our sons worked together at Fareway. He will be sadly missed though greatly remembered. Always Blessings ~ Never Losses Jim, Margo, Spencer & Irelynn Bodensteiner
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your extended family as you travel this sorrowful journey. So sad to hear of your loss. Marv and Sue Geiken Dike, IA Friends of Al and Carrie & Randy and Angie
Kevin and Family, we are so sorry to hear of Alex’s passing. He touched a lot of lives in his short time here on earth. My boys remembered him coming to the house when he was little and being so shy. If you need anything in the days to come, let us know. Carrie and Jerry Tietz
Diane and Derek, & Kevin, We have so many pictures of Alex running through our minds, from the cutest bright-eyed boy up front at the children’s chat & church programs, to having such a great kid in Sunday school, bible school, and kindergarten, to spending time in our backyard with Alex the summer he was around nine, to seeing him all grown up and tall at a high school football game. What a special, special gift Alex was and is! He will live forever in many hearts! As devoted as you were to Alex, it is hard for us to begin to imagine the great loss you are experiencing. Our hope is you feel the arms of God holding you, seeing you through this difficult time, moment by moment. May you draw strength from the many prayers being prayed for your family from your communities, friends, and families. Prayers & Hugs. Dave, Connie, & Andy Edson
Tami And Steve Sudol lit a candle in memory of Alexander Potratz
Diane and Kevin and rest of the family we want you to know that we are thinking and praying for all of you. Diane we formed a friendship when you taught me as N-P cook how to help Alex be able to eat lunch with us at school. Not ever dealing with someone with sugar diabetes before it was a learning process for me. Alex was always such a nice young boy. Listening to Chase talk about him as one of his football players you have alot to be proud of. Always a very hard worker and a very positive player. He will greatly be missed. If you need anything at all please let us know. Steve and Tami Sudol
Diane, How well I remember my Hannah at age 5 and your Alex at age 4 attending story hour at the Ionia library together. He was just the cutest little red headed boy and I remember him so well, as well as you and I just sitting and visiting at the library table while you studied and we talked over life’s problems with Jane the librarian. How simple and sweet it all seems, looking back. Words cannot express how sad my children and I feel for you at this moment. We certainly will never forget Alex, and I will never forget what a dedicated and loving mom you are. So happy we got to know you, and we are truly sorry for your loss. Love, Theresa Hake and kids
Everyone enjoyed working with Alex at Fareway. He was a great friend, and a great go worker. I’m dearly sorry for your loss, losing a child is heart wrenching, and should not happen to anyone. Alex is in my prayers, and I will dearly miss him. -Jonathan Schulz
co-worker*
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We are very sorry to hear of your tragic loss. Toby Buchheit
Doug And Kim Wadey lit a candle in memory of Alexander Potratz
In the months Alex dated Mackenzie I got to know a remarkable young man. He was polite, respectful, generous and I considered him part of our family. He will be missed, but our memories of him will be treasured. My heart goes out to his family. I never had the pleasure of meeting Kevin before last night or Derek, but I know Alex got much of his generosity from Diane. The kindness you showed Mackenzie over the months last spring was over whelming. From helping find her a prom dress to borrow, thinking about her when you bought jewelry, to making the prom scrap book, to making her part of your family. While Mackenzie appreciated it, she may not really understand what you did for her, but I did. If you ever need anything, my door is forever open to you.
The Woodman Family lit a candle in memory of Alexander Potratz
We were very sorry to hear of Alex’s death. You and your family have our deepest sympathy. Tom & Lucille Cronin
Janice & Dexter Brahn lit a candle in memory of Alexander Potratz
he will be truely missed and his memories he made with everyone will last for ever! greatest sorrow goes out to his family and his football teammates and classmates
WE are all thinking and praying for all of you!!! So very sorry…. He was the best kid ever.. All our love Tim, Terry & Marshall Phillips
Rick And Floy Baxter lit a candle in memory of Alexander Potratz
To Alex’s family … we want to pass on our deepest sympathies to all of you. Alex was one of those kids you could see always put maximum effort into everything he did, and your family will remain in our thoughts and prayers in the days and weeks to come. Bob, Teresa, Josh and Noah Fenske
Many memories flooded our minds yesterday. One that Brex and I shared was Boy Scouts. Please know that Alex touched many lives and will never be forgotten. Pam, Samantha, and Brex Wilson
Diane, I am so sorry to hear about Alex. May he rest in peace. Our family is thinking about you and your family. Love you all.
Karen Bies lit a candle in memory of Alexander Potratz
Joe And Jane Paulus lit a candle in memory of Alexander Potratz
Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was purchased for the family of Alexander Potratz.
Curt & Sandy Hansen lit a candle in memory of Alexander Potratz
Nat And Amy Sinnwell lit a candle in memory of Alexander Potratz
Kevin & Family: We are so sorry for your tragic loss. Our thoughts & prayers are with all of you.
Mark And Briana Brunner lit a candle in memory of Alexander Potratz
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Diane- I am shocked and saddened to hear of this tragic news. I happened to be watching the news in our area and heard about the accident. I am so very sorry for your loss and my heart is breaking for you. I will remember Alex’s love of football and track and will always remember seeing him out of the blue at the UNI-dome last year when my son was playing in the state football championships. You and your family are in my thoughts prayers. Please let me know if there is anything I can do. Julie Osterhaus, ARNP, CPNP University of Iowa Children’s Hospital Iowa City, IA
Doreen Franzen lit a candle in memory of Alexander Potratz
OUR PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE POTRATZ FAMILY AT THE LOSS OF YOUR LOVED ONE ALEX. GOD BLESS YOU ALL. DIANE AND DEREK, WE WILL KEEP YOU IN OUR HEARTS ALWAYS. DAVE & MARGE MAYO 1080 KELLY DR. NASHVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA 27856
MARGE & DAVE MAYO lit a candle in memory of Alexander Potratz
Derek and Diane, We cannot possibly express our sadness and deepest sympathies for you at this time. Please know that Alex will forever be in the hearts of anyone who knew him, and anyone who knows you. Rodger and Christie Knapp
Sending prayers to the family members of Alex from the Janssen family. May God’s love comfprt and support you through the days ahead. Dan Janssen family.
Andy and family, We are praying for you and your family. I remember all the stories you shared with me about Alex. I always knew how special he was to you. Keep strong and God bless. Sandy, Wayne & Ashley Risvold
Our sympathy to Alex’s family. Take time to share all you special memories. Patricia Ipsen
We are so sorry for your loss. No parent should ever have to bury their child but please know that there is a reason, that only God knows, why this happened. Please take comfort in the knowledge that he is at peace now and that you will be reunited with him some day. Lynn and Deanne Lantow
Andy, Sending my sincere sympathy to you and your family. I remember many times you talked to me about your little brother, Alex. Cherish all of those wonderful memories now as that will help the hurt you feel in your heart. Know that many people are thinking of you, and praying for you. May God give you strength in the coming days. Love & Hugs, Cindy Mason
Keeping all of you in our prayers.
Mark & Terri Johnston lit a candle in memory of Alexander Potratz
You are in our thoughts and prayers during this time of deep sorrow.
Dave Jensen lit a candle in memory of Alexander Potratz
So sorry to hear the sad news. Sending prayers and sympathies to all the family. Hoping you can find peace in God’s blessings.
Diane, Derek, Kevin, and Andy, The sadness I’m feeling for your loss is beyond words. Our family has been praying for you since last night. As Alex’s teacher and the mother of his childhood classmate, I have lots of great memories. He was so smart, funny (in his understated way), and mature. I’ll never forget how much fun he had at the quiz bowl last spring. He knew ALL the history questions (even ones I didn’t know), and the other team just looked at him with their mouths hanging open. It was truly a pleasure to know Alex and I will miss him tremendously. You have my deepest sympathies.
Thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Alex. Gone but never forgotten. GOD BLESS.
Karla & Gary Mehmen lit a candle in memory of Alexander Potratz
Diane, Our deepest sympathy to you and your family- I was stunned when Mary let me know this afternoon. I will always remember Alex’s smile and caring spirit; you raised a wonderful young man. We are praying for you and Alex, and know that God is with you to give you comfort and strength. All our love, Mike and Kim Booth
Diane and Derek, So sorry to hear about your loss. You are in our prayers. If there is anything we can do let us know. If you need someone to talk to I’m her. Jo and Darrell Schmidt
Diane, Derek,Kevin, and Andy, So sorry to hear of your loss, Alex was such a sweet and caring young man. I pray God wraps his loving arms around you and gives you the comfort and strength for the coming days and years ahead. Know that we will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. (HUGS) Kurt & Glenda Schmidt
I remember a handsome little boy with sparkling eyes. He was so much fun to be around. Our prayers are with you all. Pastor Marion G Sindt
The Potratz family is in my thoughts and prayers. Jim Barta
Kendra Crooks lit a candle in memory of Alexander Potratz
Diane, Our deepest sympathy – I was shocked when I got the message in Ames today. I wish I could be there tonight to help comfort the loss. I always enjoyed spending time learning about new things with Alex as a Cloverkid and watching him grow over the years to become the caring and kind young man that you guided him to be. Know we’re all here for you, family and friends during this very difficult time. Blessings….as you treasure the memories.
Kevin & family, our hearts are so very sad for your loss. We had the privelege of seeing Alex on Monday at the fairgrounds where he was helping pick up trash for NPHS Service Day . He was definitely the team leader for the guys. We can still see him coming down from the grandstand with Mrs. Feldman carrying a huge bag of trash he & others had picked up. When he walked by, he made it a point of thanking us for the bottled water we had provided…such a polite young man. We are so sad for you. Please know that we are keeping you in our thoughts & prayers during this most difficult time. Dick & Sue Baldwin
Diane and Derek- our deepest sympathy goes out to you. I will always remember that cute smile of his! He was a great young man. We have you in our thoughts and prayers. Mark and Jolene Dungey
Diane & Derek, With a heavy heart we want to extend our deepest condolences. Enjoyed watching Alex grow into such a nice young man. Seeing his cheerful, handsome face and charming personality at Fareway was a treat. Let the great community you live within help you through this tradegic time.
Our prayers and heart felt thought go out to you Diane.
Our prayers, thoughts and healing are sent to you. We are sooo sorry for your loss. I feel so blessed because we have not lost anybody in our immediate family yet. I dread the day it happens. I can only imagine how terrible you must feel, knowing the nice young man he was. I know it must be unbearable. Lean on everyone around you. We are here for you to help.