Thomas N. Bartz

In Loving Memory of Thomas Bartz

1926 - 2025

With profound sadness, the family of Thomas N. Bartz announces his peaceful passing on May 21, 2025. We invite you to join us honoring a life well lived for the previous 98 years, a life defined by service, scholarship. and unwavering devotion to education and family.

Thomas is lovingly remembered by his children: Dr. Nicholas W. Bartz, Thomas P. Bartz, Dr. John K. Bartz (Inez), and Catherine Bliss; his beloved grandchildren: Sarah (Sean) Watts, Ashley (Jay) Yotkois, Corey (Katie) Bartz Brian Bartz, Zoe Bliss, and Anna Giese (Andreas); and fourteen great grandchildren Austin, Hannah, Molly, Addison, Leni, Baby-Boy Giese, Nicholas, Alyssa, Riley, Cash, Charlie, Claire, Marcus, Miles, and an abundance of nieces, nephews, his cherished partner Barbara Dredge.

There are thousands of students, former colleagues, friends, and the "round table coffee crew" who may also have fond memories of him.

He now joins his late wife, Marjorie L. Bartz (Taylor); his parents, Nicholas and Zoe Bartz; his brothers, Fr. George N. Bartz, Peter Bartz, James N. Bartz; and sisters-in-law, who preceded him in eternal rest, Madeline Bartz, Lorraine Bartz, and Zafera Bartz-additionally, Dr. William Taylor and Marjorie (Midge) Taylor.

A proud veteran, Tom served in the United States Navy from 1944 to 1946, then dedicated his life to education. He earned his B.A. (1952) from Michigan State Normal College, Teacher Education Program (1958) from Michigan State University, M.A. (1960), and Specialist in Education (1970) from Eastern Michigan University. His career began in 1953 as a junior high geography teacher and culminated as a beloved professor of geography at Jackson Community College, where he inspired students until his retirement in 1989.

Tom was an educational advocate who led the Jackson Education Association as President (1961-62). He was also a lifelong learner whose humor and insight enriched many lives. His legacy endures through the generations of students, colleagues, and loved ones he influenced. He was also a passionate traveler.

Father William Bartz will conduct services on June 4, 2025 at the Desnoyer Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to noon, with the service beginning at noon. The interment will be private for immediate family members.

For those unable to attend the services, Desnoyer Funeral Home will stream the services via Zoom:  Meeting ID: 89571606202; Passcode: Bartz or on the Facebook Page of the Desnoyer Funeral Home: https://m.facebook.com/DesnoyerFH

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Father George Bartz Camp Scholarship Fund, Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 129 South Union Street, Akron, OH 44304.

The family extends heartfelt thanks for your support and invites all who knew Tom to share in remembrance of a truly remarkable man.

Thomas Bartz touched countless lives-his memory will be Eternal and remain a guiding light forever.

"To teach is to touch a life forever."