Laura E. Bartz of rural Suring, Wisconsin, died Wednesday, May 19, 1999 after a long illness. She is survived by her husband, William O. Bartz, Sr. and six children: Rhoda B. Ebersole (Ron), Mary K. Sykes (Ed), Claudia C. Bartz, William O. Bartz, Jr. (Ruth Gerlach), Loren P. Bartz (Eva Denes) and Brenda E. Bartz; 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Laura Bartz was the daughter of Pastor Otto W. and Meta W.Schreiber. Sisters Margaret C. Bartz (Roland) and Esther E. Otten also survive her. Laura was preceded in death by brother Otto W. Schreiber, Jr. and sister Alberta D. Schreiber.
Laura was born in Greenwood, Wisconsin on October 23, 1920. She attended St. John Lutheran School in Hayes, Wisconsin, Suring High School, and she received a Teaching Certificate from Central State Teacher College, Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Laura Elizabeth Schreiber and William Otto Barta were married in St. John Lutheran Church on October 23, 1943.
Laura taught grade school in rural Town of How. She was an accomplished pianist and gave private music lessons to many area piano students. She was principal organist at her home church, St. John Lutheran, for over 20 years. She also served at Trinity Lutheran Church in Maple Valley.
Laura took part in many community service activities. Throughout her life she was an active member of St. John Lutheran Church, the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, and the St. John Ladies Aid. She worked for many years at the Lutheran Counceling and Family Thrift Shop in Shawano where she served as a board member. As her children were growing, Laura was a 4-H leader in the Grignon 4-H Club. Throughout her entire adult life, Laura actively participated in "Homakers", now known as the Oconto County Association for Home and Education.
Laura liked to work in her flower garden, bake, sew and do needlecraft. In the tradition of her mother, Meta Suemnicht-Schreiber, she was an amateur artist, and enjoyed attending community art classes, working in acrylics and oils. Laura was an avid reader, letterwriter and recipe collector. She put her religious faith to words in the hymns she wrote. She enjoyed the Green Bay Packers.
Friends called at Gruetzmacher Funeral Home in Suring. Funeral services were conducted 11 a.m. Monday, May 24, 1999, at St. John Lutheran Church in Hayes with Paster Russell Kampfer officiating. Burial in the church cemetery.