Bertz C. Richard

Richard C. Bertz, 76, of Napoleon, Ohio passed away peacefully at his residence on Tuesday evening September 28, 2010 surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Detroit, Michigan on July 15, 1934 to the late Frederick and Emma (Brabandt) Bertz. Richard spent much of his life in the Deshler area, where he was raised by his late uncle and aunt, Fred and Lena Scheele. He later married Ruth (Miller) Bertz on May 13, 1956 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Napoleon Township. She survives in Napoleon.Richard will be remembered as pilot, teacher and community leader. He obtained a bachelors and masters degree from The Ohio State University, where he was also an outstanding athlete serving as Captain and selected All-American for the Soccer team. He worked as a Field Manager at Campbell Soup Company in Greenville and Napoleon,Ohio and then taught vocational agriculture for 9 years at Tyro in Sulpher Springs, Ohio and Pike-Delta-York in Delta, Ohio. He served the community as Henry County Commissioner, member of the Napoleon School Board, member of CCNO Board of Directors, a Trustee Emeritus for Buckeye Boys State, and helped organize the restoration of the Henry County Court House. Richard was also an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Napoleon and was involved in various church activities and held numerous positions including Chairman. He was a Lieutenant Colonel and pilot in the United States Air Force and for the Ohio Air National Guard's 145th Air Wing Squadron. He served over 28 years of service and flew hundreds of missions as an air to air refueling pilot. He was a member and Past Commander for the Bert G. Taylor American Legion Post# 300 in Napoleon, member of the Arthur Dan Petersen Amvets Post #1313 and Luther R. Kolbe VFW Post #8218, both of Napoleon. He was very active in helping veterans and held a position at the state level in safeguarding quality living for veterans. Also surviving are children, Rich (Cathy) Bertz and Vicki (Ken) Woods, both of Napoleon, Steve (Sylvia) Bertz of Sandy Hook, CT, Mark (Susan) Bertz of Alfreda, GA, and Brenda Bertz of Orlando, FL; 10 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren; half brother, Walter Bertz and half sister, Barbara (Rob) Turner. He was also preceded in death by his stepfather Walter Bertz; brothers, Fritz and Herb Bertz; and a granddaughter, Valerie Bertz. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Napoleon. Interment will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery in Napoleon where military honors will be conducted by the US Air Force Funeral Detail and Napoleon Joint Veteran Posts. Visitation will be held from 2-8 p.m. on Friday at the Rodenberger Funeral Home and on Saturday 1 hr prior the funeral at the church. The family suggests memorials to the Hospice of Henry County, St. Paul Lutheran Church, or a charity of the donor's choice.

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Bertz C. Richard

September 28, 2010