Dorothy Bartz, 91

Dorothy Bartz, 91, of Coeur d’Alene, left this earth for heaven, where she is happily square dancing with Carl, her loving husband, and chatting with best friends that she dearly missed.

She was born in Chicago, and forever spirited and independent, traveled to Montana to visit her daddy. There, on the train, stood Carl, in his Army uniform, shipping out to serve in the Korean War. With one glance, she found her cowboy and true love. 

Growing up in the Bartz household was never dull. With six kids to raise, Dorothy said she earned every gray hair on her head. She gained strength and comfort from her Catholic faith.

She believed in living life to the fullest and enjoyed many things. She loved the ocean and had a special love for lighthouses. She was a self-taught artist who captured the way light dances in waves. 

Dorothy was an accomplished baker and won many ribbons and prizes at the county fair. She loved eating seafood, an occasional vodka concoction, and driving well over any posted speed limit.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Carl; her son, Mike; her son-in-law, Herb Koch; and her parents, Marion (Ed) Woods and Bernard Zarembka. 

She is survived by her children: Anna Marie (Larry) DeYoung, Sandy (Leo) Block, Connie Koch, David (Kristine) Bartz, Kathy (Michael) Ranger; and her daughter-in-law, Vicky Bartz. She also leaves behind an impressive and well-loved brood: a dozen grandchildren plus a dozen great-grandchildren.

Tremendous thanks goes to Schneidmiller Hospice House. The nurses took exceptional care of Dorothy and created peaceful surroundings for her transition from this life to the next.

A celebration of life with “no sad songs” is planned for June.  Please visit Dorothy’s online memorial and sign her guestbook at yatesfuneralhomes.com.