Jacqueline Joyce Bartz

BARTZ, Jacqueline “Jackie” Joyce – currently of Nixa, Missouri, formally of Mt. Morris, Michigan, age 92, passed away Wednesday, October 26, 2022.

Jackie was born at the Women’s Hospital in Flint, Michigan on June 22, 1930; the daughter of the John and Bessie (Leeck) Egelski (later Americanized to “Eagle”). Jackie was baptized into the Christian faith at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Alpena, Michigan on July 23, 1930. In the spring of 1944, Jackie publically professed her faith and affirmation of her baptism through the rite of confirmation at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Flint, Michigan. She remained a life-long believer and disciple of Jesus Christ, routinely maintaining the same pew assignment at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Flint, Michigan.

As a Class of 1948 graduate of Mt. Morris High School, Jackie was the class valedictorian who bequeathed to underclassmen her ability to talk fast. Over the next two decades, her education continued at Michigan State Normal College, later known as Eastern Michigan University, and the University of Michigan, where she received teaching certification, along with Bachelors and Master’s degrees in Education.

Jackie married Howard E. Bartz on December 10, 1949, at her family home in Mt. Morris, Michigan. To this union, they were blessed with four children. Howard proceeded Jackie in death, passing away on October 29, 1979. For over 60 years she remained in the home Howard and his brother built for the family in Mt. Morris.

As an educator, Jackie taught hundreds of children over her 37-year career in schools across Genesee County, Michigan. Her teaching career began at Kerr and Clapp Schools, both one-room school houses. She later received a classroom assignment at Genesee School where her mother also taught. In 1965, she began a 25-year position with the Flint School System, teaching at Carpenter Road School.

Upon her retirement from teaching in 1990, Jackie volunteered at St. Joseph Hospital and Crossroads Village in Flint, Michigan, receiving numerous awards and recognitions for her hours of service. During retirement, along with fellow volunteer and good friend James “Jim” Garner, she toured the United States and visited multiple countries across the world until his passing in 2007. Afterward, she remained an active member of the community in the Genesee Lioness Club, Red Hats Society, and Quilters Guild.

Jackie was known for always being efficient with her time and on schedule as a personification of her independent Polish-German heritage. She enjoyed shopping, Port wine, and collecting Precious Moments figurines. She was fond of the company of her dogs and was always amused by stories of her great-grandchildren she lovingly referred to as “the littles.”

Jackie is survived by her children: Michael Bartz of New York, John Bartz of Florida, Nancy (Richard) Zoromski of Missouri, and Heidi (Steve) Arco of Michigan; along with seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren who lovingly referred to her as “Grandma B.” She was preceded in death by parents, John and Bessie; husband, Howard; her only sister, MaryAnn (Eagle) Borrow; daughter-in-law Patricia (Adams) Bartz; and granddaughter Paula (Bartz) Bogoevski.

A small private service will be held to celebrate her life. Interment will be at Flint Memorial Cemetery in Mt. Morris, Michigan. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to St. Mark Lutheran Church in Flint, Michigan.

Arrrangements are under the care of Adams Funeral Home -  Nixa