Jan L. Bartz
Jan L. Bartz, age 71, of Shawano, passed away on September 16, 2026, following a lengthy illness with Parkinsons.
Jan was born on December 29, 1954, a son of the late Willard and Lorraine (Olson) Bartz. He grew up on the family farm on Spruce Road in the Town of Richmond, Shawano County. After graduating from Shawano High School in 1973, Jan drove truck for most of his career. During his early years, he hauled fuel oil for Shawano Equity and just loved visiting with the farmers that he delivered to. Later, he drove a semi-tractor as an owner-operator, hauling chemicals for Klemm Tank Lines and then Keenan Advantage until his retirement in 2018.
His biggest employment desire was always to purchase his own semi-tractor which he achieved in October of 2007. He was so excited to purchase a brand-new semi-tractor that he couldn’t even write the check to pay for it — his son had to do it for him!
On October 31, 1981, Jan was united in marriage to the former Gail Burmesch at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Port Washington, Wisconsin. They would have celebrated 45 years of marriage on October 31, 2026. Together, they raised two sons, Jason and Kevin.
Jan was such a good husband to Gail and a wonderful Dad to their boys, always pitching in to help care for them, even with his many hours “on the road.” The boys made it very clear that they preferred having “Dad” take care of them because he did more fun things than “Mom,” like taking them to the farm to ride the 4-wheelers! Jan also enjoyed being with his family on many camping trips.
Jan truly enjoyed spending time at the family farm, especially doing anything related to hunting or working on the land. He was an avid deer hunter and, in his later years, just enjoyed sitting up by the farm shed, watching for deer and listening to the stories as the hunters returned to the shed. Jan enjoyed snowmobiling for many years and was a huge car racing fan, especially NASCAR. He especially enjoyed attending NASCAR races throughout the years.
Jan is survived by his wife, Gail; his children, Jason (Melody) Bartz and Kevin (Lindsey Blanke) Bartz, both of Shawano; his grandchildren, Zoey Bartz, Draxton Bartz, and Karsyn Bartz; his sister, Audrey (Ron) Olson; brothers-in-law, Gary (Kathy) Burmesch, Kenneth (Mary Jo) Burmesch, Dennis Burmesch, and Ron Olson; and sisters-in-law, Sharon (Dan) Bolz and Karen Genovese. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.
A Memorial Mass for Jan L. Bartz will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 12 pm at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shawano. Father Edward Looney will be the celebrant. Visitation will begin at the church on Saturday at 10 am and continue until the time of Mass. Burial will take place in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Shawano.
Rather than flowers, memorials may be directed to the Parkinson’s Foundation.
Mickelson Funeral & Cremation Service, Inc. of Shawano is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences at www.mickelsonfs.com.
Thank you to all for the many prayers for Jan and his family. Also thank you to Moments Hospice, especially Jolene, for their wonderful care and also to the staff at Shawano Place.
