Richard Bartz

Richard Elden Bartz, 88 of Rochester, formally of Viola, passed away Tuesday June 12th 2019 at Rochester East Health Services, where he resided the last eight and a half years. He was born on February 7th 1931 to Ruben and Anna (Kriesel) Bartz in the family farm house near Potsdam, MN. In 1934 his family moved to a farm near Viola, MN. Richard didn’t care much for school and quit just after he started the 9th grade to help out on the family farm. His passion was and always has been farming. Richard, after being drafted, left to serve his 1 year 11 month and 1 day deployment from 1952 to 1953 in the Korean War. He was an ammunition supply specialist in the 450th ammunition company in France. After returning home, in August of 1954 he met Marlys Spring. After a world wind romance they were married on May 28th, 1955 in Elgin, MN. They lived on the family farm where Richard farmed until his son took over and he continued to help him until 2011.
Richard was a member of the American legion for 66 years. He enjoyed playing cards, bingo, listening to old tyme music, Farmall tractors, auctions and attending Viola Gopher Count. Richard loved celebrating his birthday and considered it one of the major holidays.
Richard will be greatly missed by his family, his extended family at Rochester East Health Services, especially Ella Hanson whom he considered one of his granddaughters.
Richard is survived by his wife Marlys, a sister Sharon (Gary) Goodwin of Belle Plaine MN, a son Richard L (Rosemary) Bartz of Elgin, his daughters Susan Dieterich of Stewartville, Sally (Chuck) DeWitz, Shila Bartz, Sinde (Terry) Finnegan, Sheri (Jeremy) Hart all of Rochester. His grandchildren Bob and Jeff DeWitz, Curtis Dieterich, Brenna and Troy Finnegan, Andrea, William, and Ethan Hart. Three step grandchildren Krista Johnson, Jasmine Klavetter and Isaac Staudacher. Three great grandchildren, nine step great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Richard is proceeded in death by his parents and sister Kathleen McFarland.
The family would like to thank Rochester East Health Services, St. Croix Hospice and Pastor Terrill Bramstedt for comfort and care during this difficult time.
The funeral service will be Tuesday, June 18, 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Elgin, MN with the Reverand Terrill Bramstedt officiating. The visitation will be Monday, June 17, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Schad and Zabel Funeral home in Plainview, MN and one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. Burial will be at the Elgin cemetery with military honors.
Memorials to Trinity Lutheran Church, Rochester East Health Service activities department and Viola Gopher Count are preferred.
Schad & Zabel Funeral Home, 57 3rd St SW, Plainview, MN, 55964, 507-534-2003
schadandzabelfuneralhomes.com