Harris Bartz

Harris Bartz, age 73, formerly of McIntosh, MN, passed away on Sunday, July 24th, at the VA Medical Center in Buffalo, NY after a brief illness. A memorial graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 20th, at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in McIntosh with the Rev. Bruce Blocker officiating. Friends and family are invited to attend. Lunch will be served at Immanuel Lutheran Church in McIntosh following the graveside service. Local arrangements are with Carlin Family Funeral Service of McIntosh and messages of condolence may be shared at www.carlinfuneral.com.

Harris Henry Bartz was born on June 21, 1949, in Fosston, Minnesota to parents Henry and Orvilla (Haugen) Bartz. Harris was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran in McIntosh, Minnesota. He graduated from McIntosh High School in 1967. While finishing high school he worked at McIntosh Bakery. Harris worked in construction before joining int the Army.  He served for over 20 years in the Army, serving in South Korea, West Germany, Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, and Ft. Polk, Louisiana. He was known as someone who always took care of his soldiers. Harris was very active in the VFW, serving as a Commander in several posts. After retiring in 1992 he made his home in Western New York and started a 2nd career as a driving instructor for the AAA.  He was great with the kids and enjoyed teaching them.  He was an active member of First Trinity Lutheran Church in Tonawanda, NY.

Harris was very active, always involved in something.  He had many close friends which was evident at his funeral service in New York.  Many of his driving students came to pay tribute to him and his ability to work with them.

Beloved husband of Jennifer (Innes) Bartz. Dear father of Charles (Loretta) Bartz, Kattie Blume, Jason (Kelliann) Bartz, Derek (Amanda) Bessey, and Gabrielle (Justin) Smith. Grandfather of Mariah, Lafe, Colton, Levi, Tinsley, Emmett, and Mia. Brother of Amy (late Max) Schaefer, and the late Judith Peterson. He loved babysitting Emmett, taking him to the farmers market and grocery shopping. He is Uncle to Chris and Ted Schaefer and Merrit DeSilva and many Bartz and Haugen cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents Henry and Orvilla Bartz, sister Judith Peterson, infant sister, niece Rebecca Kurtz and brother-in-law Max Schaefer and Jason’s mother Deborah Bartz.

Funeral service with Military Honors was held on July 24, 2022, at First Trinity Lutheran Church in Tonawanda, New York.

“For me to live is Christ and to die is gain” Philippians 1:21