December 11, 2018

Linn County News
Published Dec. 12, 2018
Ray Wurtz, 86, of Lakeland, Fla., entered into eternal peace with the Lord, at his home, with all of his family by his side on Nov. 29, 2018.
Ray was of the Pentecostal faith. He was the son of Benjamin and Viola Wurtz of Pleasanton, Kan. He was born in Pleasanton on Sept. 15, 1932. He came from a family of 13 brothers and sisters. Later, moving to Kansas City, he owned several businesses.
He moved his family to Winter Haven, Fla., in the early 1970s where he owned and operated several businesses.
Ray was a loyal and dedicated husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.
He enjoyed fishing, golfing, traveling, gardening and swimming. He also liked antiques as a hobby. Ray was an accomplished and respected business owner and enjoyed helping people.
Ray was also known for passing along wisdom about life and spent his life providing and caring for his family and others.
Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Karen Wurtz, the mother of his five daughters; a son, Randy Hoffman; a daughter, Debbie Harrison; and a grandson, Jarrod Ryan Strickland.
Ray is survived by his wife, Betty, of 35 years; and six daughters, Alesia Hoffman Martin (Patrick), Tempe, Ariz., Heidi Wurtz Langford (Bill), Lakeland, Fla., Haili Wurtz Marotti (Lew), Labelle, Fla., Dr. Heather McDaniel (Dr. Gary McDaniel), Waynesville, N.C., Dr. Holly Strickland, Lakeland; and Hillary Wurtz Dykhuizen (Steve), Lakeland. He is also survived by three stepsons: Harvey, Herbert and David Dennis. Ray is survived by 21 grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; three brothers, Albert Wurtz, Lester Wurtz and Bob Wurtz; and two sisters, Thelma Thomas and Lillie Mae Jackson.
Ray was a true patriarch and enjoyed spending time with his family. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.