Werner Bietz

1949 - 2023

Werner Gunther Bietz Werner Gunther Bietz entered into heaven on December 3, 2023 surrounded by loving family. He succumbed to a relatively sudden onslaught of diverse medical issues. We miss him every day, but rejoice that he is now in the presence of his beloved Savior. Werner was born to Karl and Maria Bietz on August 13, 1949 in Altshausen, Germany and immigrated to the U.S. in 1953. He spent a few years in Petrolia, CA and Ferndale, CA before settling in Eureka, CA where he graduated from Eureka High School in 1968. He married his high school sweetheart, Karen, in 1971. After earning a teaching credential from Humboldt State, he secured a teaching job at Fort Bragg Middle School where he taught keyboarding, history, and math for 37 years. His ongoing love for young people was evident by the many ways he served the youth of his community. In addition to teaching, he coached youth and middle school soccer and middle school wrestling. He was a Boy Scout leader and often took scouts on canoe trips up local rivers. He was very active in the local Christian youth organizations, Student Venture and Y.U.M. He served the community at large as well. He was a servant-leader in his church for over 40 years, served on the Albion Christian Camp board, and was an active member of the Gideons. He hosted a weekly prayer table in downtown Fort Bragg, offering prayer and encouragement to anyone in need. He also had many personal interests. He was passionate about the word of God and loved to praise and worship. He was devoted to his family and was the driving force behind family reunions. He was also very loyal in his friendships. He was an avid gardener, passing on his prized Petrolia squash to many local gardeners. He loved to fish, golf, backpack, watch sunsets, and listen to jazz. Werner exemplified a life of loving and serving others. He loved God well, and he loved and encouraged the people that God placed in his life. He leaves behind beloved family members, wife Karen, son Nathan, son Daniel and wife Michaela, son Dylan and wife Michaela, eight grandchildren, brother Henry and wife Karen, sister Christine, sister Elene and husband Don, sister Rose and husband Jeff, and numerous nieces and nephews. There will be a celebration of Werner's life at 2:00 on February 10, 2024 at Grace Community Church, 1450, Oak Street, Fort Bragg, CA.