Louis Bartz

Louis was born in Alpena on March 12, 1944, to the late Herman and Clara (Dege) Bartz, he grew up working hard on his parent’s farm and never stopped working hard. He enlisted in the United States Army and served in Thailand during the Vietnam conflict. After returning he started his own family and had three sons. Louis walked into the Besser Company one day and got a job and provided for his family for 33 years until his retirement in 2003.

Louis lived his life full of happiness, love, friendship and family. He always went out of his way to help others and didn’t complain about it. You couldn’t walk through any store in Alpena with Louie without him stopping a dozen times to talk with friends and acquaintances because he knew so many people. Louie spent the last 13 or so years of his life with his best friend, Donnalee Krentz, who with her family gave him the same love and care that he gave them. Even in his recent older years of declining health, he remained so selfless and in high spirits to such a degree that his sudden passing was a shock to all who knew him. It is comforting to know Louie is now in no pain and hanging out with God and all his family, friends and pets who preceded in death.

Surviving are his fiancée, Donnalee Krentz; three sons, Matthew (Nicole) Bartz, Steven (Lisa) Bartz, Randy (Kelena) Bartz; several grandchildren; Donna’s three sons, Gary (Donna) Krentz, Terry (Gayle) Krentz, Mark (Debbie) Krentz; several grandchildren; three siblings, Larry Bartz, Darrell (Reiko) Bartz, Christine (Charlie) Pake; sister-in-law, Patricia Bartz; several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Bartz was preceded in death by three brothers, Randy Bartz, Gary Bartz and Richard Bartz.

Visitation will take place at the Bannan Funeral Home on Monday, March 30, 2026, from 2 to 8 p.m. with military honors by VFW Alpena Post 2496 at 5 p.m. Visitation will continue on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at St. Paul Lutheran Church – Hubbard Lake from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m. with Rev. Joseph Lleweylln officiating.

Interment: St. Paul Cemetery, Wolf Creek

Memorials: St. Paul Lutheran Church