Gary J. Gertz

SEDALIA, Mo. - Gary J. Gertz, U.S. Coast Guard (Ret.), 69, of Sedalia, formerly of Wakefield, Mich., passed away Friday, Jan. 19, 2018, at his home.

He was born Aug. 27, 1948, in Ironwood, Mich., son of Clifford T. Gertz and Jeanne (Chouinard) Gertz, who preceded him in death.

On Aug. 8, 1970, in Cambria, Calif., he was married to Anne M. Dawson.

Gary graduated from St. Ambrose High School and Gogebic Community College in Ironwood. He served in Vietnam with the Navy from 1966 to 1970, and then served with the Coast Guard from 1972 to 1995. He retired as Master Chief Radioman.

He was a life member of Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 66; former member of American Legion Post 5, Ironwood; VFW Post 9084, Wakefield; and Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 380, Negaunee, Mich.

Surviving are his wife, Anne, of the home; daughter, Alena Hoeffling (Aaron), of Sedalia; sons, Clifford Gertz (Mary), and Alan Gertz (Taletha), of Kodiak, Alaska .; grandchildren, Arthur (Stefanie), of St. Louis, Kristi (Matt), of Lenexa, Kan., Ian and Eden, of Sedalia, and Vitus, Skylar, Aiyana and Cayleb, all of Kodiak .; brothers, Don (Sandy), of Ironwood, and Jim (Ann), of Green Valley, Ariz .; and sister, Barbara, of Rochester, Mich.

A private family memorial will be held at a later date.

Cremation arrangements are in the care of Heckart Funeral Home, Sedalia, Missouri.