Peter "Pete" Edwin Diltz, 72, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away on March 29, 2025. Celebration of Life: 3:00 - 6:00 p.m., Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids.
Pete was born at St Luke's in 1953 and grew up in Troy Mills, Iowa. He graduated from North Linn High School in 1971. He earned a welding certificate while attending Kirkwood Community College. Pete worked at Link Belt FMC in Cedar Rapids from 1972 to 1982 in various positions, welder, assembler, maintenance mechanic, and maintenance electrician. He joined the Iowa Army National Guard from 1977 to 1985, where he served in the 234th Signal Battalion as an electronic maintenance tech. During this time, he worked for the US Government as an electronic technician from 1982 to 1985. He moved to Los Angeles, California in 1985 to work for FedEx as a Service Technician. That's where he met his wife, Katy Joy. He moved back to Cedar Rapids in 1986 to continue working for FedEx as a Service Technician. Katy Joy followed a year later in 1987. They were married in Troy Mills in 1988. They had two children: Marty Diltz (1992) and Rowan Diltz (1995). They lived near Troy Mills till 2015 when the family moved to Cedar Rapids.
Pete had many hobbies. He loved to do woodworking projects and made several beautiful pieces of furniture and cabinets for their Troy Mills home. He also outfitted his woodshop with all its cabinets, shelves, and tables. He loved a wide variety of music: jazz, blues, classic rock, folk music, and ambient, to name a few. He had a passion for guitar music with his favorite guitar player and musician, Eric Clapton. He loved to read and had an eclectic taste in genres. His biggest love was trike riding. He loved to ride the gravel roads around the Troy Mills area. Pete and Katy Joy often rode together and enjoyed many beautiful bicycle trails. After they moved to Cedar Rapids, Pete and Katy Joy rode all over the Cedar Rapids area and out into eastern Iowa. Pete also enjoyed being a member of the Linn County Trails Association. Although his time with them was short, it was a fond memory of his.
Pete is survived by his wife, Katy Joy Diltz, children, Marty Diltz, and Rowan Diltz, and sister, Mary Perez.
Pete was preceded in death by his parents, Ernie and Isabel (Fisher) Diltz, and sister, Anne Dvorak.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Pete Diltz to the Linn County Trails Associationlinncountytrails.org
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services – Cedar Rapids
Goodbye my sweet husband. I miss you so much, but we’ll be together again.
I still remember all the trips we took together with your parents, my grandparents. The black hills, Yellowstone, Alaska and Nova Scotia, Newfoundland. So much fun. Rest in peace uncle.
Rip Uncle Pete
Seeing Pete ride by on his trike was always a cheerful sight from my kitchen window. You two were so welcoming to our family when we moved in to the neighborhood. Birdie sends her love, and I know Pete is walking with little Polaris again.
Pete was a Great guy to work with always above and beyond. Kim Patik Federal Express.
I worked with Pete back in the late 90’s at FedEx. He was such a nice man and no piece of electronic equipment could stump him. I remember his wife and kids coming in a few times and he was such a sweet family man. My condolences to his family.
Bridgit (Duff) Brandt
Katy and family. We are so sorry to hear Pete passed away. Sending healing prayers .
Marc and Joanie Mills
Katy, I’m so sorry to hear of Pete passing. Such a gentle talented man, he reminded me so much of Ernie who I adored, growing up next door to them. Pete’s parents were like the grandparents I never had. Love to you and the kids!!
Hugs, Mary Wolverton
I’m sorry to hear such a good person has passed.
He was always willing to share his knowledge of equipment and systems at FEDEX. And always had a smile no matter what!
Pete was a great person, kind, gentle, and intelligent. He taught me a lot about one of our mutual intetests, home brewing. He and Katy always welcomed us into their home. He’ll be greatly missed.
My wife, Katy, and our good friend at the Marion Library, where they were part of a crochet class, have always shared a special bond. Katy used to offer free crochet classes, and she and Raje became close friends, which led to us all becoming family friends. Pete, thank you for the wisdom and guidance you shared whenever we gathered for dinner or cooking, whether at our place or yours. You were a man with broad ideas and a wide view of life. We miss you dearly. Thank you for all the great memories and they live with us forever.
How could I forgot about the beer brewing for Pete’s obit ??!! Pete was a passionate beer brewer for many years. Always tinkering around with things, Pete put together an extensive home brewing system. Back in the day, he spent many years enjoying the company of the THIRSTY group in Iowa City and the Cedar Rapids Beer Nuts.
He used to help us make hay back in the late 60 & early 70’s. We worked a lot in the hay mow together. It was a great time. Byron Bach RIP Pete.
Sharing in the loss of Pete, he was my classmate who was to me tall, slim and sweetly reserved with fine manners. Always seemed to not have a care in the world. I hope he had a good & loving life while here among us. A very fine photo of Pete.
ReAnna V.
Pete you were a great guy!! the mechanics at FedEx
Katy and family,
My condolences. I’m remembering Pete
as a steady and dignified fellow. It’s been
a while, but I wish you all the best.
Tim Fay