Edward Bartz

Edward Eugene Bartz, 88, passed away in his home in Yakima on January 29, 2016. He was born September 1, 1927 in Valley City, ND to Otto August and Nellie Kathryn (Wyttenback) Bartz. Edward grew up in Missoula MT, eldest of six children. He married his high school sweetheart Betty Lou Carmean in 1947 until her passing in 1974. Edward married Bev Luby of Moses Lake in 1977 who was by his side when he died. He retired in 1984 after 35 years in the construction sprinkler fitting trade for fire protection and was a member of the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 669. Edward was much beloved as a husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great great-grandfather. He was a very hard working man who provided well for his family. He had a very good, if not offbeat, sense of humor and was well liked by all that knew him. Edward loved fishing, hunting, golf, bowling, both square and ballroom dancing, and woodcrafts in his shop. Because of traveling for his trade, he did not get involved in community activities until after retirement. This included being Past Master and life member of Compass Lodge 306, Secretary and Life Member of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Masons, twice Past Patron and Honorary Life member of Masada Shrine Temple. He really enjoyed the many years he spent travelling up and down central Washington parading with the Shrine Patrol and driving a little red car with the Masada Shrine Mustangs. Edward and Betty had seven children; four sons: Michael Edward of Selah with children Robert, Michelle, and John; Richard Douglas of Lake Stevens with son Adam; Carl Otto of Yakima with children Curt and Christine; Robert William of Yakima with children Kimberly, Jennifer, Dustin and Jenny; three daughters: Linda Kay Simmons of Vancouver with children Ryan and Kari; Kathy Ann Copeland of Vancouver with sons Justin and Nick; Susan Waltiere of Thorton, CO with daughter Tami. He also had two step-children, Robert John Luby of Kent and Barbara Luby Goss of Woodinville. He had numerous great-grandchildren and great great-grandchildren. Edward is preceded in death by his wife Betty, both parents Otto and Nellie; and all three younger brothers: Otto August, James Francis and Gary Charles, and younger sister Clara Jane Trollpe, all of Montana. Only his younger sister Mary Ann Smith of Montana survives. Per his request, his ashes will be scattered at his old fishing hole at Flat Head Lake in Montana. No services will be held per his request, but memorial contributions can be made to the Shriners Children’s Hospital, mailed c/o Valley Hills Funeral Home, 2600 Business Ln., Yakima, WA 98901. Arrangements by Valley Hills Funeral Home. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Edward Bartz, please visit our flower store.