Gerda H. Barz

Gerda H. Barz Battle Creek Gerda Heidi Barz, 71, of Battle Creek, MI, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 12, 2010 surrounded by her family while a resident at the Laurels of Bedford. She was born September 24, 1938 in Mannheim, Germany the daughter of Friedrich Wurz and Anna (Stumpf) Wurz. She is survived by two sisters: Helma Moosbauer and Nelli Knoch of Mannheim, Germany; two daughters: Sylvia & Ernie Lahusky of Battle Creek, MI; Susan & William Begg of Plainfield, IL; her son: Victor Barz of Kalamazoo, MI; four grandchildren: Tyler and Erica Lahusky of Battle Creek; Lauren and Hailey Begg of Plainfield, IL. Gerda was preceded in death by parents: Friedrich and Anna Wurz and step-father Wilhelm Keil; brother: Werner Wurz; two brothers in law: Werner Moosbauer and Werner Knoch. Gerda was born in and resided in Mannheim, Germany. She attended school for 8 years then went to a business college for 4 years to become an office clerk. When she came to the United States without her family in 1959 she settled in Battle Creek and worked for Cello-Foil in Battle Creek. She then got married and became a homemaker, mother and wife. She married Leonard Barz on May 1, 1960 in Battle Creek; however their marriage ended in divorce. Gerda became a United States citizen in August of 2006. She became very active with the Concern for Critters and the Calhoun Area Humane Society and has rescued many cats and dogs. She devoted most of her time during her retirement years to the animals. She also liked staying active by playing ping pong and swimming at the Burnham Brook Center. Also she took ball room dancing lessons, had fun doing Country line dancing and she enjoyed walking in the out of doors. She would knit, crochet, and make many catnip toys. She also enjoyed spending time with her children and her four grandchildren and watching them play sports. Visitation will be held after 12 noon Thursday January 14, 2010 at the Bachman Hebble Funeral Service where the family will be present from 4-8:00 p.m. Funeral services commemorating the life of Gerda Heidi Barz will be held January 15, 2010 Friday, 11:00 a.m. in the Bachman Funeral Chapel with Rev. Carolyn Robinson-Fisher of Christ United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will follow at the Hicks Cemetery in Pennfield Twp., MI. Memorial tributes may be made to ALS Association, Good Samaritan Hospice Care or Humane Society - South Central Michigan. Arrangements by the Bachman Hebble Funeral Service, a member by invitation Selected Independent Funeral Homes. (269)965-5145 www.bachmanhebble.com