"Michael was my grandfather was the most kind hearted sweetest person I knew in the family he loved all of this grand kids every single one of them. He was brave to fight for his life :) but the best grandpa I new :) "
In loving memory of
Michael Bartz
October 16, 1953 - May 8, 2015
Michael Ryan Bartz, of Clinton, longtime resident of Antigo died Friday, May 8 at his home after a long battle with cancer. He was 61 years old. He was born on October 16, 1953 in Antigo, a son of Dorothy (Cernoch) Bartz of Antigo and the late Forest Bartz. He married Sally Olson in 1972, the couple later divorced. He married Deborah Andraschko on February 14, 1995 at Peace Lutheran Church, Antigo.
He graduated from Antigo High School in 1972.
Mr. Bartz served in the United States Army from June 1, 1972 to August 1, 1980.
For 23 years he served his community on the City of Antigo Fire Department and achieved the rank of Lieutenant. He also served as an EMT and Hazmat Specialist. He later worked part-time for Gene Strasser Trucking hauling milk, Thomae Electric, and Doug Herman and Dave Packard Trucking hauling fuel for Draeger Oil. In 2010 he moved to Clinton.
He enjoy Muskie fishing, hunting and camping. His greatest joy was spending time with family and grandchildren.
In addition to his wife and mother survivors include two sons, Michael Bartz Jr. of Tomah, Mark (Tabatha) Bartz of Wausau; daughter, Jenny (Tom) Patten of Madison; two step-daughters, Amanda (Brian) Rosnostik of Wausau, Tanya Hasse and special friend Jesse of Seymour; step-son, Rob (Angela) Hasse of Baraboo; 13 grandchildren; two sisters, Cheryl Krajewski of Green Bay and Pamela (Bryan) Zehrt of Solon, IA. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father; brother, Keith and brother-in-law, Larry Krajewski.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday at 10:30 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church with Rev. David Karolus officiating. Burial will take place in Elmwood Cemetery where Antigo veterans will conduct military honors. Visitation will be Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Bradley Funeral Home with the City of Antigo Fire Department and the PFFW State Honor Guard standing honor guard. Visitation also on Thursday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church.
Tributes
"Mike and I were in the army together in Wiesbaden Germany. He was the mortar platoon Sgt. And I was one of his squad leaders. His family and my family spent allot of time together. We had so much fun driving our mortar carriers all over Germany. He was such a great leader. Miss you my Friend. Ron and Sue Fisk "
"We'll miss you Mike, Over the last few years, I've been one of the drivers for "DAV" (Disabled American Veterans) We've shared many good conversations on our way back and forth to the Vet's Hospital in Madison."
"So sorry for your loss Mark and family God has called home anthor Angelð?'?ð?'?"
"We are so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. He was a proud soldier of the Hodag platoon and we are blessed to hold those memories in our hearts. "
"We will never forget you Mike (Bumpa)! We loved having you as a neighbor for the past 4.5 years. You were like a grandpa to our Kaitalyn and are heartbroken about losing you. We are at peace knowing you are no longer in pain and in God's arms. Please take care of my sweet little angel who made his/her birth in heaven just weeks ago. We love you, Mike"
"Our prayers are with you all. Mike left an amazing legacy and will never be forgotten. I was honored to be called his friend and a brother. God bless. "
"Mike was my grandpa and he will be greatly missed but all of this is for the better. I will always love him with all of my heart and he was a wonderful, amazing, friendly, sweet, kind, and all around awesome man/grandfather/father/person."
"Mike and I went to grade school and high school together. Your Dad lived in our neighborhoood and we had many fun times together. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you and your family. "
"Jenny, Mike, and Mark: I have so many memories from late childhood and early adulthood that include the three of you as well as your dad. He was a wonderful man, who taught us all so much. I was happy to be able to reconnect with him via Facebook last year. I am so sorry that he is gone, but I am also so happy that he is no longer in pain. Your entire family is in my thoughts and prayers. RIP MB (my favorite firefighter ever)"
"To the Mike Bartz Family, Sending our heart felt condolences on the loss of your husband, father, son, Uncle and friend. Mike has always remained in our hearts as a brother-in-law and we have shared many happy moments with him in the past while he was married to Sally, he will always be remembered as a part of the Olson family in all our hearts and he will be sadly missed by all, he was a wonderful father, husband and friend to many. Our family sends our Deepest Sympathy and Love to all. The Dan Olson Family"
"Mike was such a nice guy...We are praying for his Family...It seems we just saw him at Country Kitchen! We are shocked..."