DeWayne William Bartz was born on February 18, 1934 in Appleton, Minnesota to parents William and Edna (Schwartz) Bartz. DeWayne was baptized in the Lutheran faith, at home, on March 5, 1934. He was confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Shible Township on March 23, 1948. DeWayne attended country school at District 36 first through eighth grades. He then attended Appleton High School, where he graduated in 1952. On June 18, 1955 DeWayne was united in marriage to Marlys Van Winkle at Zion Lutheran Church in Appleton, by Pastor P.B. Wold. This union was blessed with five children: Renee, Deb, Annette, Randy, and Connie. He and Marlys enjoyed over 58 years of marriage. He and Marlys farmed in the Appleton area from 1955 to 1964. They moved to Willmar where DeWayne managed D&C Grain for over seven years. He also farmed in the Pennock area, worked for Willmar Poultry Company, was an insurance agent for Farmers Union Insurance, and worked for Swart Construction. DeWayne spent 12 years as an insurance agent for Dornberger Insurance. After leaving the insurance field, he and Marlys started Bartz Wood and Craft. DeWayne loved playing cards, bowling, and visiting with people. He also enjoyed fishing, especially with his grandsons. DeWayne developed a talent for woodworking. It was said he could make just about anything people asked for. He found great enjoyment in creating various items, particularly when he was making gifts for his family. DeWayne was very active with church. Over the years he served in a variety of roles: Sunday School teacher, choir member, usher, finance committee chairman, Elder, Tri-Parish Council member and currently Chairman of Immanuel Lutheran Church and President of the Immanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery Association. DeWayne was called home to the Lord on Monday July 1, 2013 at St. Cloud Hospital. He attained 79 years, 4 months, and 11 days of age. He is survived by his wife Marlys; children: Renee (Mike) McCleary of Kerkhoven, Deb (Tim) Robak of Hillman, Annette (Greg) Kotzenmacher of Willmar, Randy (Kathryn) Bartz of Omaha, NE, and Connie Groen of Sartell; 15 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; sisters, Clarice Sweno and Lois Bergman, both of Appleton; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Edna Bartz; and brother-in-laws, Lawrence Bergman and Ray Sweno. Blessed be the memory of DeWayne William Bartz.
