Virgil Gene Hartz

Virgil Gene Hartz, 95, of Newton died on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at MercyOne Des Moines. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, July 8, 2024, at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Newton. The family will greet friends after the service with a lunch at the church. At 2:00 p.m., burial will be at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery in Lacona. Memorials to Our Savior Lutheran Church may be left at the church the day of the service or at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory.

Virgil, the son of Ernest and Dora (Langebartels) Hartz, was born on April 23, 1929 in Lacona.  He grew up in Lacona where he enjoyed playing on the city softball team. Virgil was united in marriage with Grace Borchert on February 3, 1952 in Lacona.  They made their home in Newton. Virgil worked for over 40 years at the Maytag Company, retiring in 1992.  During that time, he also worked part-time for local farmers.  Virgil enjoyed coaching his sons in baseball for many years. After retirement, Virgil worked at the Maytag Dairy Farm for 10 years, “officially” retiring in 2004. Virgil was a charter member of Our Savior Lutheran Church and played on the church softball team.  He was also a charter member of Willowbrook Adult Day Care.  Virgil enjoyed golfing, fishing, playing cards, and hiking.  Along with being a hard worker, Virgil had a great sense of humor.

Virgil is survived by his children, Rick (Gail) Hartz of Newton, David (Denise) Hartz of Shelby, North Carolina, and Cathy Van Gundy of Panora; grandchildren, Justin, Eric, Melissa, Rhonda, Ryan, Rob, Mike, and Craig; and his many great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Grace in 2013; his brothers, Arthur, Ivan, and Earl Hartz; sisters, Hilda Stearns and Frieda Schrader; and a son-in-law, Kerry Van Gundy.

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