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BORN
1942
DIED
2021
John Wertz Obituary
John Harry Wertz passed away peacefully on January 18, 2021 at his home in Palm Desert, CA with his husband Jack Campbell by his side.
Born in Omaha NE Oct 29,1942 Johnny showed an early interest in Figure Skating and successfully competed as an amateur representing the Skating Club of Omaha. After leaving Westside High School at 17 with $600 in his pocket, Johnny headed to Europe to launch his professional skating career. Hired as a principal skater at the famous Casa Carioca Ice Show in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany became his home base. John's artistry on Ice took him around the world where he starred in many Skating Productions from Ice Follies, The Vienna Ice Review, Italian Ice Circus, Holiday on Ice Europe and twice to Sun City, South Africa where he was a featured soloist in Marge Chase's Ice review.
Though their paths never crossed during their amateur careers, John & Jack, also an accomplished skater with a World Pro Title, became John's life partner in 1984 and in 2014 they married with a celebration in Palm Desert.
John was preceded in death by parents Paul & Virginia "Ginny" Wertz and survived by husband Jack Gray Campbell, cousins Jim Wertz (Omaha), Julie Beth Wertz (Fort Collins) and John Wertz (San Diego).
In lieu of flowers, please donate in Johnny's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Wertz
Sponsored by thedesertsun.com.
Jacquie Harbord
February 3, 2025
Hi Jack,
Just to let you know I still think of Johnny with huge fondness, and great admiration for the exciting show skater he was. Fabulous Memories .
From Jacquie Harbord X
SHARON K HARRIS
February 2, 2023
As time passes, I still think of Johnny and cherish the memories of his great humor and friendly attitude-even through his cancer battles.
Jacqueline Harbord
February 2, 2023
Still think of Johnnie with love, affection and Great Admiration, a truly wonderful show skater.
Love Jacquie Harbord
Jacquie Harbord
February 15, 2021
What a Fantastic Skater, eclipsed only by his personality. The nicest person you could wish to meet, will miss that wonderful split jump.
Rest in peace Johnnie. Love Jacquie Harbord
Sharon Harris
February 14, 2021
Johnny was a special friend and neighbor-his humor always made me smile and his special wave and “Hi, Sweetie”, when I was out walking my dog, brightened my day. We will miss him and carry his memory in our hearts.
Nancy
February 13, 2021
Back in our days at the Casa, I had the biggest crush on you, Johnny! Such wonderful memories! Jack, he will always be by your side. Love you.
Claude Richard
February 13, 2021
I had the pleasure to work with John Wertz at the Casa Carioca in 1963 to 1967. He was a beautiful skater and a wonderful performer. My heartfelt condolences to you Jack and to his family and friends.
Sarah Kawahara
February 13, 2021
My heartfelt condolences to Jack Campbell .
carol Smitheram Peyper
February 13, 2021
Jack I skated in a show John choreographed called Pizzaz on ice
Noel & Don Watson
February 13, 2021
Johnny, we will miss you forever.
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