Robert Lee Geltz

Robert Lee Geltz, age 88, of New Philadelphia went to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 29, 2013 while in the care of Community Hospice House at New Philadelphia.

Born at Zoar, Ohio on November 17, 1924, Bob, as he was known to family and friends, was a son of the late Isaac and Ellen (Hostetler) Geltz.

A 1943 graduate of Dover High School, Bob entered into the United States Army in 1943 where he received a sharpshooter marksmanship medal, and a Purple Heart for injuries sustained during conflict and was honorably discharged on January 1, 1946.

He was a compassionate man who loved and ministered to his family and friends. He was a skilled craftsman and enjoyed gardening, fishing, boating, motorcycle riding, and growing beautiful flowers.

A member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church at New Philadelphia, he taught the Bethel Bible Class, served as a member of Church Council, and attended the Martin Luther Sunday School class.

On September 16, 1997, in the Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Rev. Carl officiated the union of Bob and Mary Ann. As soul mates, they built a happy life together, and through their nearly 16 years of marriage, she remained at his side until he entered his Reward.

In addition to his wife, Mary Ann, Bob is survived by children, Bruce (Penny) Geltz; Ron Collins, Jill (Dave) Fioretto, Deborah (Dave) Stocklas and Leslie (Michael) Brotny; grandchildren, Ashley, Jason, Joey, Natalie, Brian, Emily, Miklos, Derek, Eric, Justin, Megan, Madeline, and Samuel as well as numerous great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Thelma, whom he married on August 20, 1961 and celebrated more than 30 years of marriage prior to her passing.

The family will receive guests on Tuesday, September 3, 2013 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia where Church Council Services will begin at 6:45 PM. Rev. Stephen Patrick will lead a celebration of Bob’s life in the Emmanuel Lutheran Church on Wednesday at 10:30 AM. Burial, with military honors provided by members of the New Philadelphia VFW will follow in the Dover Burial Park. Following services, all are invited to share a meal with the family in the church Fellowship Hall.

The family requests memorial contributions in Bob’s name be directed to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 202 East High Avenue, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663 or to Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.