Dennis Ray Bartz, age 82, passed away on Tuesday, August 30, 2022 in Shawano. He was born on February 23, 1940 to the late Ervin and Luella (Sohns) Bartz in Shawano. Dennis was baptized and confirmed at St. James grade school and graduated from Shawano High School with the class of 1958. On January 19, 1963, he was united in marriage to Karen Jean Jepson at St. Rose Catholic Church in Clintonville. Dennis enlisted in the Army National Guard and served during the Berlin Crisis. He worked various jobs prior to his father passing in 1974 when he took over the family farm in Pella and farmed his entire life. Dennis passed the farm to his son when Parkinson's Disease made it difficult to continue farming himself. He loved his family and was a gentle, caring man. He was friendly, non-judgemental and had a quick wit and great sense of humor. Dennis was a member of St. James Lutheran Church in Shawano.

He is survived by his wife, Karen; one daughter, Diane (Joel) Mielke; two sons, Barry (Sandy) Bartz and Daniel (Lori) Bartz; grandchildren, Brittany (Chase) Sperberg, Brooke (Nick) Thomas, Alicia (Craig) Rekoske, Jeremy (Kimmi) Bartz, Amanda (Tyler) Berg, Autumn (significant other, Teagan) Krueger, Jared Krueger; stepgrandchildren, Amanda Beyer and Cliff (fiancé Kaylee) Beyer; five great-grandchildren with another on the way; three step-great grandchildren; and brother and sister, Ervin Bartz and Dorothy (Earl) Vandenlangenberg. Dennis is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Dennis is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Mae (Ordie) Berndt; and sister-in law, Lois Bartz.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, September 2, 2022 at St. James Lutheran Church with Pastor Mark Drengler officiating. Visitation will be held at 9:00 am on Friday until the time of service at the church.

The family would like to give a special thank you to the staff at Birch Hill and Evergreen nursing homes and Pastor Roy Reinhard for his visits.