Frederick A. "Colonel" Brotz

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Frederick A. "Colonel" Brotz, 92, of Metamora, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 3, 2015, at Washington Christian Village with his two sons at his bedside.

He was born on Jan. 20, 1923, in Peoria, Illinois, to Ernest A. and Marie (Reichert) Brotz. He married Betty L. Murray on Mother's Day, May 11, 1947, at St. John Lutheran Church in Bartonville, Illinois. She died on Sept. 29, 2009.

Known as "Fritz" in the Bartonville region, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1943. He served aboard the USS Santee, CVE 29, an escort class aircraft carrier, as a bow gunner during hostilities in the Pacific and an officer's ward cook after the war until being discharged in 1946. He attained the rank of seaman first class twice.

Fred worked for the N.E. Finch Company for 42 years starting at age 18, returned after the war and was the senior driver for over 20 years, retiring in 1985. Fred was the founding partner of the Brotz Auction Service, beginning in 1978 and closing the business in August 2003. He was involved in farming his entire life.

He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Bartonville. He was a loyal member of Spring Bay American Legion Post 1115, East Peoria VFW, Pontiac 40 & 8, Teamsters Local 627, Illinois State Auctioneers Association, National Auctioneers Association, and Hilton Lodge 1143 A.F. & A.M.

He was preceded in death by his family, Francis Wetzel and Ernest Wendling.

Surviving are his two sons Mike (Becky) Brotz of Williamsburg, Indiana, and Dan (Tracey) Brotz of Red Bud, Illinois;

Five grandsons, Tony (Lori) Brotz and Andy (Cheryl) Brotz, both of Williamsburg, Indiana, Jeremy Brotz of Dexter, Missouri, Jeff Brotz of Pekin, Illinois, and Jon Brotz and great-grandson Jett Brotz of Blytheville; and

Two great-granddaughters and one step-great-grandson, all of Williamsburg, Indiana.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 12 at St. John Lutheran Church in Bartonville with the Rev. Michael Jones officiating. Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. Monday at Mason Funeral Home Germantown Hills Chapel and one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will be held in St. John Lutheran Church Cemetery in Bartonville.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to St. John Lutheran Church in Bartonville. Online condolences can be offered at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.