Mr. Harold A. “Bear” Wertz Jr., age 76, of 5374 Indian Trail, Spruce Creek, PA died Monday, January 26, 2004 at his residence.
He was born February 7, 1927 in Altoona, the son of Harold A. and Lenore E. Bateman Wertz Sr. and on October 1, 1948 at the Methodist Parsonage in Bedford was married to Josephine Nixon who survives. Also surviving are three children – Reverend H. Aden Wertz III and wife Joan of Morrisdale; Bill N. Wertz of Kissimmee, FL and Jody, wife of David Brisbin of Tyrone; seven grandchildren – Cristia Fawls, Tara Diel, H. Aden Wertz IV, Robert Wertz, Kevin Brisbin, Jennifer Brisbin and Andrew Brisbin; three great-grandchildren – Dominic, Justin and Erin Fawls and his sister, Peggy Pfiefer of Lansdale, PA. Also surviving is his step-mother, Marjorie Wertz of Spruce Creek.
Mr. Wertz was a member of the Spruce Creek United Methodist Church and was currently serving on the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee. He was a graduate of Lewistown High School Class of 1944. He was a veteran of service in the U.S. Navy in World War II serving in New Orleans. He was initially a partner with his father and later, for a number of years, he and his wife owned and operated the Indian Caverns at Spruce Creek. He was a member of the Gideons, the National Cave Association and the PA Caveman’s Association and the Zipper Club composed of Altoona area open heart patients. “Bear” was a strong supporter of his church. He also gave many young people their first work experience at the cave. He’s holding reservations for us at the heavenly banquet!
Funeral service for Mr. Wertz will be Thursday, January 29, 2004 at 11 a.m. at the United Methodist Church of the Good Shepherd with Pastor Vance Hart officiating. Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery, Altoona. Friends may call at the Richard H. Searer Funeral Home Inc. on Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Contributions in his memory are requested to the Spruce Creek United Methodist Church, Spruce Creek, PA 16683 or to the Gideon Society, P.O. Box 13, Spruce Creek, PA 16683.
