Stefan Kertz

Stefan Kertz, 74 ESCONDIDO -- Stefan Kertz passed away Thursday, November 4, 2010. He was born March 25, 1936 in Krindija, (former) Yugoslavia, son of Leopold and Katharina Kertz. Stefan went to the Marble Mason Trade School in Austria and became a marble setter. His favorite pastimes were blacksmithing, and creating art from all different mediums: painting, sculpting, carving, and metal work. He was an expert horticulturist. He met his love, Margarethe (Greta) in a small town in Austria. Stefan emigrated to the United States in 1956. He worked for two years to raise enough money to go back to Austria and marry Greta. Together, Stefan and Greta became American citizens and created a happy, loving family. Stefan was a member of the Escondido History Center, and Bandy Blacksmith's Guild. He had an artist's soul. He was an environmentalist before it became fashionable to be one. He believed in keeping things simple and natural as much as possible. Stefan is survived by his wife of 52 years, Margarethe (Greta); children, Stefan Kertz (Dollie), Irma Tamayo (Roland), and Heidi McBride (Tim); grandchildren, Nicholas, Iain, Zack Kertz, Michael, Richard, Patrick and Erika Tamayo, Bradley, Brittany, and Brett McBride; and great- grandson, Jayce Mitchell. There will be a viewing held between 6 and 7 p.m., with Rosary being said at 7 p.m., on Thursday, November 11, at Alhiser-Comer Mortuary in Escondido. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Friday, November 12, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Escondido. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Escondido History Center, P.O. Box 263 Escondido, Calif. 92023. Sign the Guest Book online obits.nctimes.com