Gerald “Jerry” Vincent Bartsch, 88, was born April 8, 1938, in Wheeling, West Virginia, and died August 9, 2026. A former resident of Columbus, Georgia, Jerry was residing in Lexington, Kentucky with his daughter, Dr. Melissa Bartsch. Jerry will be remembered with deep respect for a life marked by steady devotion, loyal friendship, and an honorable commitment to serving others—qualities carried with him in every season of life, and often brightened by a quiet, well-timed humor.
Jerry served in the United States Army, including service in the Vietnam Campaign. In recognition of his dedicated and disciplined service, he received the following decorations, medals, badges, citations, and campaign ribbons: Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, National Defense Services Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Overseas Service Bars, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation Badge wti Palm, and Good Conduct Medal-7th Award. He retired from the Army at Fort Benning, Georgia, having given years of capable, intelligent leadership and service-oriented commitment to his country.
In his younger adult years, Jerry enjoyed playing golf. In retirement, his thoughtful nature found welcome company in good movies, a good read, and creative arts—simple pleasures that suited his kind-hearted spirit and enduring curiosity.
Jerry was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marilyn "Mert" Bartsch; his father, Herman Bartsch; his mother, Adelaide Duffy Bartsch; his sister, Mary Ellen Macklin; and his brothers, Herman, Lou, Thomas, James, and Leo Bartsch. He is survived by his daughter, Dr. Melissa Bartsch; his daughter-in-law, Dr. Megan Marks; and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation for Family and Friends will be held at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Rd, Columbus, Georgia 31907, on August 17, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 1953 Torch Hill Rd, Columbus, Georgia, on August 18, 2026, at 10:00 am. A live stream will be available through his obituary on the Striffler-Hamby website linked to the Striffler-Hamby Mortuary at Parkhill Cemetery Facebook page.
Committal Service with Military Honors will be held at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery, 553 Hwy 165, Fort Mitchell, AL 36856, US, on August 18, 2026, from 1:30 pm to 2:00 pm.
Jerry’s life stands as a testament to faithful love, principled service, and the lasting strength of loyalty—offered with dignity, and remembered with gratitude.
