Gene Dale Hartz of Morrison, IL, was called home to his Lord on Tuesday, June 22, 2021.
Gene was born in rural New Bedford, IL, on July 11, 1930, to Vernon Harold and Blanche Marie (Nicholas) Hartz. He graduated from Manlius High School in 1948. He was united in marriage to Gladys Marie Johnson on August 19, 1951. Gene farmed with his father and was involved in various agri-businesses.
Gene was a devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle to his extended family. Gene was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Morrison. As a baptized confirmed Christian, he faithfully served his Lord in many capacities within the Church, including Church Council, Usher, Youth Group Leader, and Sunday School Teacher. He was known for always cracking jokes. In the community he was a 4-H Leader and played fast-pitch softball. He loved participating in all sports from an early age, especially running, baseball, basketball, and, of course, watching his favorite teams, the Cubs, the Bears, and the Bulls. Gene loved God, his family, and the Chicago Cubs; in that order, depending on the day.
Surviving Gene is Gladys, his wife of nearly 70 years; children, Terri (C. William) VanNostrand of Fort Dodge, IA, Joni (William) Kenel of Fort Madison, IA, Denise (Donald) Hubbard of Leaf River, IL, and V. Cory (Geraldine Perez) Hartz of Red Bud, IL; 11 grandchildren, Paul (Caroline) Forristall, Christopher (Gretchen) Forristall, Courtney Hartz, Miranda (Greg Propeck) Hartz, Candace (Chet) Gates, Staci (Andrew) Isley, Gregory (Sandy) VanNostrand, Whitney Hartz, Dana (Chad) Toelke, Darron (Kathryn) Hubbard, and Emily (Joshua) Murrray; 22 great-grandchildren, Braydon, Bailey, Samantha, Trinity, Riley, Isaac, Zoie, Jamison, Elayne, Corbin, Oliver, Liam, Amelia, Gabriel, Harrison, Eleanor, Ian, Aharon, Laurel, Eden, Nora, and Ellianna; one great-great-grandchild, Owen; sisters, Helen Hurley, Norma Hansen, Ethel (Stanley) Jensen, and Elaine (Richard) Albright; brother, Marvin (Nancy) Hartz; brother-in-law, Robert (Dixie) Johnson; many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; nephews Jeffrey Hartz and James Hurley; two great-grandchildren in infancy; brothers-in-law, Leonard Hansen and Dennis Hurley.
His Funeral Service will be 3:00 p.m., Monday, July 5, 2021, at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Morrison, IL, preceded by Visitation from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service. Co-officiating will be Rev. Anthony Appel, Pastor of St. Peter Lutheran Church and Rev. Mike Winkelman, Retired Pastor.
A Graveside Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 6, 2021, at the Manlius Cemetery in Manlius, IL.
The Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
A memorial to St. Peter Lutheran Church has been established.