Eldon Giertz

(From Konantz Warden Funeral Home)

Eldon Roger Giertz, 75, of Liberal, MO passed away at Cox South Hospital, Springfield, MO on October 9, 2022, after suffering the burst of a brain aneurysm. 

Eldon was born on October 2, 1947, to Eldon Paul and Lorraine (Hartman) Giertz in Kankakee, IL. He lived for 12 years on a dairy and grain farm in Chebanse, IL where he learned to work hard at an early age. 

In 1959, he and his family moved to Liberal, MO to a grain farm where he learned all aspects of its operation. He graduated in 1965 from Liberal High School and went to work for the George Diggs farm until joining the United States Marine Corp. 

After boot camp in San Diego, CA he was sent to mechanical structural schooling in Memphis, TN. He then went on to be stationed at the Beaufort, SC Air Station working on Phantom jets. 

In August of 1968, he married Bula White, and they made their home in Beaufort, SC until he was sent overseas to Japan for 9 months. After his discharge in 1970 they moved to Ft Scott, KS where he was employed as a mechanic for Key Industries. He and Bula moved to the Prairie Center Farm in 1971, where they farmed together for over 20 years. 

When the farm sold, he obtained a job at Pittsburg State University on the Landscaping crew where he remained until 2005 after receiving a knee injury. He worked from home on computers for years. The past few years his activities were gardening with 18 garden beds, doing the cooking, and working around the house and yard. He shared an interest in guns with his son Ethan. 

He was preceded in death by a sister Ruth Ann, his parents Eldon P and Lorraine, and his son Ethan R Giertz, who died on March 10, 2022. He is survived by Bula, his wife of 54 years; grandson Brennon R. Kaufmann, currently serving on a US Navy submarine; brother David (Linda) Giertz of Mobile, AL, sisters Janet Clemens of Carl Junction, MO and Vicky (Kenny) Pearce of Joplin, MO. 

He is also survived by his aunt Arleen Hartman Bohlmann of Danforth, IL, brother-in law and sister-in law Don and Elaine White of Girard, KS, and by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins. 

Donations may be made to Peterson Outdoor Ministries in honor of Eldon and may be left with the Konantz Warden Funeral Home in Lamar, Missouri. A Celebration of Life will be held at an undetermined date.