Gerald Eugene “Butch” Schartz, age 60, of Ellis, passed away Friday, July 18, 2014, in Ellis. He was born March 23, 1954, in Hays, Kansas to Gerald N. and Shirley (Ross) Schartz. He graduated from Hays High School in 1972 and received a Bachelor’s in Sociology from Fort Hays State University.  He married Lois Holste in Hays, Kansas, on November 25, 1978.

Butch was a longtime stone mason, owning Schartz Masonry. He was a U.S. Navy veteran, serving in Vietnam. He was a member of Christ Lutheran Church and the NRA. He enjoyed carving and sculpting with wood, clay and stone. He also enjoyed visiting with people and spending time and playing games with his grandsons.

He is survived by his wife, Lois of Ellis; two sons, Shane Schartz and wife Misty and Jake Schartz and wife Jenny all of Ellis; two grandchildren, Carson and Trenton Schartz of Ellis; four brothers, David and wife Regina of Texas, Steve and wife Jennifer of Denver, Mark  and wife Brenda of Salina and Al of Hays; five sisters, Sue Martinez and husband Chuck  of Denver, Karen Stadelman and friend Butch of Texas, Laura Schartz of Denver, Debra Colosi and husband Tony of Naples, Italy and Marilyn Schartz of Hays as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Rick Schartz.

Memorial services will be at 3 PM Wednesday, July 23, 2014 at the Kansas State veterans’ Cemetery in WaKeeney. A reception will follow services at the Ellis VFW.

Services in care of Keithley Funeral Chapel, 400 E 17th, Ellis, KS 67637.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Butch Schartz Memorial Fund to be designated at a later date. Condolences may be sent by guest book to www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or emailed to [email protected]