Elmer E. Girtz

1932 - 2015

Elmer E. Girtz, 83, Monticello (East Shafer Drive near Lowes Bridge), passed away at 2:20 p.m. Monday, Aug. 17, 2015, at the White Oak Health Campus of Monticello, surrounded by his family.
He was born on Feb. 24, 1932, on the family farm near Lowes Bridge, to the late Elmer E. and Goldie E. (Manes) Girtz. On July 31, 1955, at the chapel in Camp Zama in Honshu, Japan, he married Patricia Ann Busaytis; she passed away on July 23, 2014.
Elmer had resided his whole life on the family farm on East Shafer Drive near Lowes Bridge.
He graduated from Buffalo High School in 1950.
Elmer attended agriculture courses at Purdue University before enlisting in the United States Army.
He was first stationed in Atlanta, Ga. where he completed Machinist School. In 1954, he was stationed at Camp Zama, Honshu, Japan, where Elmer met his future wife, Patricia, and married her.
After returning to the states, Elmer resumed farming and in 1963 he started Girtz Welding and Machine Shop, reproducing Model A Ford parts. From that day forth the company grew to present day Girtz Industries.
After his retirement in 1997, Elmer was an avid woodworker where he loved making furniture for his family.
Elmer was a past member of the Sitka Baptist Church of rural Monticello and the Zion Bethel Church of Monticello.
Surviving are children, Catherine (Ken) Gross, Monticello, Lisa C. (Michael) Murtha, Crofton, Md., and David (Beth) Girtz, Monticello; grandchildren, Kyle A. Girtz, Dayton, Ohio, and Kayla E. Girtz, Mercy Ship, Madagascar, Africa; and cousin Elisabeth Zinger, Ashland, Ore.
Elmer was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer E. and Goldie (Manes) Girtz Sr.; wife, Patricia Ann (Busaytis) Girtz; and infant son, Stephen Mark Girtz.
Visitation will be from 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday at the Miller – Roscka Funeral Home of Monticello. Celebration of Life Service will be at the funeral home at 2 p.m. Saturday with Rev. Jeff Messer of the Zion Bethel Church of Monticello officiating.
Burial with Full Military Rites by the Monticello Veterans Honor Guard will follow at the Bedford Cemetery in rural Monon.
Memorials may be given to the Alzheimer's Association or to the White County Food Pantry. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
See: www.miller-rosckafh.com