John Hartz

The Reverend John Leslie Hartz, age 87, a six-year resident of the Ozarks Methodist Manor in Marionville, Mo, beloved husband of 65 years, cherished father and friend, passed away on November 12, 2009, his youngest daughter at his side. The second youngest and last survivor of six children, he was born near Advance, Mo. on May 25, 1922 to the late Melvin A. Hartz and the late Missouri Potter Hartz.

His 47-year preaching career began while at U of KC and at CMSTC in Warrensburg and continued in N.C. where he received a seminary degree from Duke Divinity School. After 1951 he served eight Methodist churches in Mo. (including Ashland UMC in St. Joseph 1977-1982), and two terms of District Superintendence until retiring in St. Joseph in 1987.

Throughout life he was a deep thinker, gifted writer, avid gardener, and an extremely kind, generous, humorous person loved and respected by everyone who knew him.

Survivors include wife, Betty Buxton Hartz, Marionville (formerly of Springfield); daughter Laura Salamone and husband Norman of Batavia, Ill.; daughter Jean Early of Danbury, Ct.; two granddaughters, Gina Salamone and Angela Early-Mahiet and husband, Damien; and one grandson, Michael Early and wife, Aelita.

A memorial celebration will be held November 25 at 1:30 P.M. in the Memorial Hall Chapel of the Ozarks Methodist Manor.

Memorial donations may be made to the Ozarks Methodist Manor Health Center.