Wilbur William Krotz, age 79, of rural Columbus Junction completed this part of life on Saturday, April 5, 2014, after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer's.

Celebration of life services will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 12, 2014, at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home with Rev. Rick Hughes officiating. Calling hours will begin noon Friday at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 Friday evening. Interment with military honors will take place at the Salem Church of God Cemetery in rural Ainsworth, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Sympathy cards may be sent to the family in care of Jones & Eden Funeral Home, 116 East Main Street, Washington, Iowa, 52353. Online condolences may be sent for Wilbur's family through the web at www.jonesfh.com .

Wilbur was born in rural Washington County, Iowa, on March 31, 1935, the son of William and Geneva (Klein) Krotz. He attended Washington County schools. Wilbur enlisted in the Army to serve his country and was stationed at Fort Dix, New Jersey. He was honorably discharged from the United States Army Reserve in 1961. He was united in marriage to Mary Lucille "Mary Lou" Coon on April 29, 1954. Wilbur farmed all of his life in Louisa and Washington Counties. For many years, he worked at Component Homes in Iowa City, Iowa, building pre-fab houses.

Wilbur found happiness in country living and farming with his wife. He loved the outdoors, traditional country music, an afternoon spent fishing with family, and he was an avid hunter. He experienced great joy in spending time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by five children: Karen Steinhauer of Houston, Texas; Karla Young of Ames, Iowa; Karol Krotz of Iowa City, Iowa; Kay Russo of Des Moines, Iowa; and Kevin Krotz of Burlington, Iowa; nine grandchildren; five great grandchildren; sister, Evelyn Boyse of Wellman, Iowa; and brother, Walter Krotz and wife Doris of Ainsworth, Iowa.

Wilbur was preceded in death by his parents, William and Geneva; wife, Mary Lou in 2008; infant daughter, Kathryn Marie; brothers, Lloyd, Leonard, Leo and Hubert; and sisters, Alma Kucera and Viola Forbes.