Leroy P. Hartz, 72, of Newburgh, IN passed away Tuesday, February 12, 2019 at St. Vincent Hospital in Evansville. He was born at home in Boonville, IN on October 18, 1946 to Ed and Loretta (Graehlor) Hartz.
He was one of the founding fathers of Paradise Fire Department in 1978 which later became Ohio Township Fire Department. Leroy started working at the age of 14 in his family’s business, Shell Gas Station, in Paradise. He served in the U.S. Army National Guard and was a coal miner working at several mines throughout Illinois and Indiana. Leroy was a past president of the United Mine Workers Association and a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.
He was a friend and mentor of life to many. Leroy was always helping others in need and always with a smile on his face. He could fix just about anything, enjoyed motorcycles, boating, camping and traveling but most of all loved being “Papaw.”
Leroy was preceded in death by his parents; Ed Hartz and Loretta (Graehlor) brothers and sisters, Edgar Hartz, Ruth Lechner, Cyrilla Heim, Alberta Jones and Martha Jane Hartz.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Brenda (Bosma) Hartz; sons, Brian W. Hartz (Kathy), Brent L. Hartz (Shannon); grandchildren, Zayne P. Hartz, Ian W. Hartz, Brooks L. Hartz, Ashley L. Hartz; mother-in-law, Marilyn Bosma; sisters and brothers, Dorothy Biggs, Dennis Hartz (Sandy), Connie King (Dave); sister-in-law, Betty Hartz; and many favorite nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 18, 2019 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church officiated by Fr. Tom Kessler with entombment in St. John Mausoleum. Friends may visit 2-8 p.m. Sunday at Alexander Newburgh Chapel, and 10:00 a.m. until service time on Monday at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Ohio Township Fire Department at http://otfd.org or St. John the Baptist Catholic Church at http://www.sjbnewburgh.org.
