Edward Bartz

Edward Oscar Bartz, age 93, of Rochester, MN, formerly of New Hampton, died Saturday, February 14, 2015, at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, MN. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 21, 2015, at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Hampton with Pastor Kevin Frey officiating at the service. Interment will be at the New Hampton City Cemetery with Shawn Bartz, Aaron Bartz, Matt Reams, Bryan Grieme, Richard Smith, Randy Lenz and Trevor Bartz serving as pallbearers. Friends may greet the family an hour prior to the service at the church. Edward Oscar Bartz was born December 20, 1921 in rural Chickasaw County, IA, 3 miles south of Ionia, the son of Charles and Laura (Ross) Bartz. He attended a rural country school near Ionia and completed his education at the Ionia High School. On June 23, 1941, at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Hampton, he married the love of his life, Lillian Debban. To this union three children were born. The couple farmed near Charles City and south of Ionia for many years. Early in their time near Ionia, Ed served as president of the school board at their local country school. Throughout their life they worked together, sharing the farm chores. Ed was self-sufficient, as he could fix nearly anything on the farm. Ed also enjoyed the outdoors, riding his motorcycle, gardening, reading, hunting, and fishing. In 1985 they retired, moved to Rochester, Minnesota, and lived out the remainder of their life together there. Lillian died on October 28, 2011, at the age of 93. Survivors include one son: Eddie (Rose) Bartz, Jr. of Lansing, IA; two daughters: Dawn Bartz of Rochester, MN, Robyn Woolley of St. Paul, MN; 5 grandchildren: Shawn (Brenda) Bartz, Aaron Bartz, Noelle (Matt) Reams, Jacalyn (Randy) Lenz, Lynette Laures; 8 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild, and two sisters, Jean and Mabel. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian in 2011; 3 brothers Walter, Ted and George; 3 sisters, Evelyn, Grace and Lenore.