Geortz

Lee E. “Bumpy” Geortz, 83, of Valencia, entered into eternal rest on Saturday afternoon, Oct. 7, 2023, at Vincentian Home in McCandless Township with his wife and daughter at his side.

Born in Eldorado, Pa., on Oct. 9, 1939, he was the son of the late Earl and Lucille Todd Geortz.

Known for his kindness and compassion for animals, he also had a love of gardening and proudly displayed his green thumb talents.

His work career wore many hats — a Chevy mechanic, welder, maintenance guru, superintendent of water pollution control for 25 years in Richland Township and a “man Friday“ for many years at Schellhaas Funeral Home in Bakerstown.

Bumpy was a 47-year member of John E. Mair Lodge 729 F&AM in Mars, was in the Syria Shrine of Pittsburgh, Masonic Motorcycle Club, Chapter 6, Pittsburgh, and Consistory, the NACO Caravan 19, North Hills and Caravan 14, Butler. He represented the deputy and hillbilly units of the shrine in parades near and far and was a supporter of many local and national animal and wildlife organizations.

He also was known for riding his motorcycle, chewing tobacco, hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, flying in a small touring plane around Mt. McKinley in Alaska and digging up dinosaur bones in Utah for the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Many who joined in the hunt can attest to sundry interesting ventures in the wilds of Cameron County, where his home away from home was base for decades in pursuit of elk, bear and deer. In the evening while relaxing around the fire waiting for the night raiders to appear, they reviewed adventures of the day and plans for tomorrow. Albums of photos show his love of nature.

He possessed a keen sense of humor and a talent for seeing both sides of an issue, no matter who was right. If anyone needed a hand, he was only a phone call away.

He was a member of the Valencia United Methodist Church.

Beloved husband of 63 years of Judith “Judie” Strazisar Geortz, whom he married July 9, 1960; loving father of Sue Wolfe and her husband, Kevin Kinkead, of Johnstown; and his sister, Donna Russ in Phoenix, Ariz. Also left behind are several nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends.

GEORTZ — Friends of Lee E. “Bumpy” Geortz, who died Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at MCDONALD-AEBERLI FUNERAL HOME, 238 Crowe Ave., Mars.

Members of John E. Mair Lodge 729 F&AM will conduct Masonic services at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Valencia United Methodist Church, 66 Almira St., Valencia. Please meet at the church. The Rev. Robert Martin, pastor, is officiating.

Burial will be in West Union Cemetery, Pine Township.

Family suggests donations to Valencia United Methodist Church or these wildlife rehab groups: Wildbird Recovery/Stormy Oaks Nature Conservancy (Valencia) and Skye’s Spirit Wildlife Rehab Center (Harrisville).

Directions and condolences are available at www.mcdonald-aeberli.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.