Mark "Fred" Delbert Beltz

Mark "Fred" Delbert Beltz, 73, of Solon, Iowa, passed away on February 21, 2026, after a battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Per Mark’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no services will be held. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date for family and friends. Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cedar Rapids, assisted the family.

Mark was born on August 29, 1952, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to James and Dorothy (Kruger) Beltz. He graduated in 1971 from Thomas Jefferson High School in Cedar Rapids where he played football and wrestled. Mark began his career at Quaker Oats in 1971, where he held several positions and built lifelong friendships. He was an active member of the Local 110 RWDSU, serving as Chief Steward and later as President of Local 110. Mark played a key role in the development of the TED Department and ultimately led the team as its head. After 36 years of dedicated service, he retired in 2007, leaving behind a legacy of commitment and leadership.

He married LeaAnn Weston on July 16, 1984, at Sugar Bottom Campground in Coralville, Iowa, wearing shorts and flip-flops, with family and his children witnessing their union. This special place was where Mark spent many summers camping and boating from childhood through adulthood. Known to many as “Fred,” Mark had a passion for the outdoors and enjoyed fishing and hunting throughout his life. His hunting adventures included bear, wild boar, and alligator, along with countless hours during hunting season at “the farm,” his 80-acre dream hunting land.

Fred was also involved in 16” softball for Intertrade Steel, Hupp Electric, and in the Quaker Oats league. He bowled in several leagues and earned many accolades including some 300 games. Fishing was his greatest love—he spent countless days on Iowa waters and traveled to South Dakota, Minnesota, and Canada. After retirement, he continued to fish every chance he got, whether on weekday trips to the reservoir or annual fishing adventures in Minnesota. He always looked forward to the annual 4th of July campout at “the farm” with his wife, kids, grandkids, family, and friends, filled with shootouts, fireworks, campfires, and fish fries.

Fred is survived by his wife of over 41 years, LeaAnn; three sons, Robbie Beltz (Jamie), Mark Woldruff, and Kory Woldruff (Janelle); one daughter, Dusty Taylor; twelve grandchildren, Brad, Hailey, Michael, and James Beltz; Hannah, Chloe, Peyton, Avery, and Kamden Woldruff; Hayden Taylor; Chase and Caleb Wedemeier; niece, Tina (Bruce) Wedemeier; his twin brother, Clark Beltz; and many cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Dorothy Beltz, and his brother, Bud Beltz.

Fred will be remembered for his quick wit, and love for family and friends. A devoted fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and Miami Dolphins, he lived life fully—whether on the water, at the farm sharing stories around a fire. He will be deeply missed. “It’s Miller time, crack one open.”