John Putz

Today we cry tears of sorrow and loss. We held his hands, while he held our hearts.   John George Putz passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family on January 17, 2020. Funeral services will be held 11:30 a.m. Thursday, January 23, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 106 Osage Ave, Bismarck.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m.to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 22, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck. A prayer service will begin at 7:00 p.m.

Burial will be held at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, January 23, at the ND Veterans Cemetery, Mandan.

John was born on December 27,1948 in Bismarck to Clarence and Marbelle (Skagen) Putz.  John attended school in Bismarck and graduated from Bismarck High School in 1967.  He continued his education by attending Bismarck Junior College, completing his 2-year syllabus in a record 3 years; an achievement he often joked about stating that he was the President of the Junior Class at BJC.  During college he  worked at Evan’s Men Shop, where he met the love of his life, Linda Schumacher.  The two wed on September 15, 1972, and through their love welcomed three children, Mika, Keah, and Zach. Being a husband and father served as his driving force for success and faith in the Lord. His example of love and leadership shaped the entire family. For many years he worked at Skeels Electric before becoming a full-time employee with the North Dakota National Guard.  His services would include travel all over the country to include Central America, Europe, and a deployment to Afghanistan in 2004.  In 2008 he retired from the National Guard with over 38 years of service. Those who knew him well saw him as a true Soldier, leader, and mentor. John considered all he worked with as friends and enjoyed his adventures in the National Guard; Always privileged to serve his country.

After his military retirement John started a second career as a landman where he found enjoyment in his drives across the state, making new friends with farmers and ranchers along the way.

One of John’s passions was traveling with his friends but found his most enjoyment traveling with his wife. John and Linda explored coast to coast of the United States and various countries overseas. In recent years, John would set out on his annual motorcycle adventure which would culminate at the Sturgis Bike Rally. While travels kept him busy, when he was home he gained a new-found joy and love in the role as a grandfather which made his smiles bigger, his laughter louder, and his heart fuller.

He was a dedicated, loving, and tenderhearted father. He was a constant source of strength, joy, laughter, and selfless giving. It was these traits and the example he lived day in and day out that helped shape his children and grandchildren. He was our rock, keeping us grounded during the darkest moments and challenges of life. His unceasing example of perseverance and dedication continues to drive us to live unto his example. This humble man has shaped us in ways we could never imagine or put into words. We are privileged to call him husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend. He treasured his wife, Linda; his children, Mika (Trever) Stokkeland, Keah (Tyler) Gartner, and Zach (Beth) Putz; and his grandchildren, Maisy, Hunter, Parker, Weston, Ava, Drew, and Ruby (another grandson is due in April); his sister, Jann Frazier; in-laws, Steve (Pat), Gary (Dora), Tom (Elizabeth), and Jeff (Doreen) Schumacher, and Sandra (Steve) VanVoorhis; and mother-in-law, Rosemary Wangler.

He has joined those awaiting him, Clarence and Marbelle Putz, Ron and Anne Putz, John, Butch, Bobby Schumacher and Ramy Wangler.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be sent to the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery or to Living Word Ministries International c/o Tom Schumacher P.O. Box 70000 Tucson, AZ 85737