Robert Alfred Bartz
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Robert Alfred Bartz, 89, passed into the presence of his Lord and Savior on Thursday, May 2, 2024. He peacefully transitioned from this physical life to see Jesus face to face after battling several physical ailments over the past few years.
Bob, as he liked to be called, was born on March 13, 1935, in Stevensville, Michigan to Alfred Bartz and Martha Minikel Bartz.
Bob grew up on the family farm in Stevensville where he learned hard work and discipline which developed into an outstanding work ethic. All that hard work led him into his enjoyment of sports where he excelled in high school and college; he ran track (440 yd dash), and played tennis, basketball, and golf. Bob studied at Anderson College in Anderson, Indiana to become an elementary school teacher. While there, he met his future wife Betty Jean Robertson. The two became lifelong companions and friends as they were married 62.5 years before Betty passed into the arms of Jesus after battling pancreatic cancer. Bob began his teaching career with the El Monte City School District in Southern California teaching physical education. Bob’s giftedness for teaching, along with his passion for sports, made him an outstanding PE teacher and coach. He was skilled and extremely adept at helping students find value in themselves and find success in the classroom and beyond through the environment of physical education. He taught more than just sports in school, he taught life lessons through sport and physical activity. Although Bob retired after 36 years in the classroom, he continued as a substitute teacher off and on for the next 10 years. He was a lifelong teacher and coach who took advantage of every opportunity to impart his passion of sport to his two sons and six grandchildren, and really, anyone who would be willing to listen. Bob was a teacher who was guided by the Master Teacher, Jesus Christ. Because of that, he had a beautiful heart for children and was always willing to use his talents and abilities in any capacity needed to help others.
Bob was a dedicated husband, dad, and grandpa, who treasured his family. He embraced and cherished each moment with his children and grandchildren. In his free time, Bob enjoyed traveling, watching sporting events, and most of all, spending quality time with his family. He usually tried to incorporate all three at the same time if possible. Bob was also an active member in the local churches he attended. He served in various leadership roles (elder, deacon) throughout the years. He sang in the choir for many years and in retirement he and Betty took several short-term mission trips to Japan, Russia and Central Asia. Bob enjoyed life to the fullest and had a servant’s heart. He loved making friends, serving others, and serving God.
Bob is survived by his son Brent Bartz (and Hope), grandchildren Emily Bartz, Gretchen Ellwood (and Lane), Hannah Bartz, and Patience Bartz, and great-grandchildren Layton, Wade, and Marley; his son Brad Bartz (and Adrienne) and grandchildren Herschel Bartz and Bridgit Bartz; his younger brother, Bud Bartz (and Jeanette). Bob was predeceased by his wife Betty Jean Robertson Bartz and his older brother Don Bartz (and Jean). Bob will be remembered by numerous extended family and dear friends.
Anderson University is on a mission to educate students for lives of faith and service, offering more than 60 undergraduate majors, 30 three-year degrees, 20 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports, alongside adult and graduate programs. The private, liberal arts institution is fully accredited and recognized among top colleges for its business, computer science, cybersecurity, dance, engineering, nursing, and teacher education programs. Anderson University was established in 1917 in Anderson, Indiana, by the Church of God.