Cledith "Clete" L. Hartz

Cledith L. "Clete" Hartz, 83, a lifelong resident of South Bend, IN passed away at 5:20 a.m. Wednesday, September 21, 2016 at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Mishawaka, IN.  He was born on October 29, 1932 in South Bend, IN to the late Frank "Pop" and Nannie (Metcalf) Hartz.  On August 9, 1952 in South Bend, IN, he was united in marriage to the former Marilyn Brant.

Clete is survived by his wife of sixty-four years, Marilyn Hartz; two daughters, Susan (Kenneth) Bias of Redding, CA and Linda Beaston of Upper Sandusky, OH; five grandchildren, Kenneth Ray Cledith Albert (Alicia) Bias, II, Kaitlyn Bias, Brice Logan, April Hartz and Kirsten Pangaliman and five great grandchildren, Andrew Galvan, Marcell Garay, Rylie Logan, Aria Logan and Alexander Bias.  He was preceded in death by his daughter, Judith Hartz; sister, Shelby Hall; brothers, Charles, Lee, Ellsworth, Devon, Frances, Weldon and George Hartz and his dearest dog, Sammy among other beloved pets.  He was an animal lover.  Clete was the last survivor of the immediate Hartz family.

Clete served his country honorably in the United States Army. He was  a design engineer at Clark Equipment in Buchanan, MI retiring after thirty-seven plus years. He was also an honored volunteer at the College Football Hall of Fame for ten years acquiring many awards and close friends.  Clete was a fifty year member of South Bend Turners being very involved in bowling, volleyball, softball and enjoyed putting on his famous steak and spaghetti dinners sponsored by American Turners along with seasonal summer picnics and pizza get togethers.

You were cherished DAD - we love you always!

Friends may visit with the family from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Thursday, September 29, 2016 at Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 S. Michigan St. South Bend, IN.  Burial will take place at Southlawn Cemetery, South Bend.

Contributions in memory of Cledith "Clete" Hartz may be offered to any type of Veteran's Service Organization, c/o Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 S. Michigan St. South Bend, IN 46614.  Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

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