Richard B. Gertz, 41, of Bellbrook, Ohio, died Good Friday, at Wilford Hall Medical Center at Lackland A.F.B. in San Antonio, Texas with his wife Susie Arnold Gertz at his side.
Rick was born on April 30, 1960, in Traverse City, the son of Richard and Phyllis Gertz. He was a 1978 graduate of Suttons Bay High School and earned an associates degree in science from Northwestern Michigan College. In 1983, he graduated from the University of Michigan with a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering. He worked as a propulsion engineer for McDonnell Douglas Corp. in St. Louis, but his dream of flying called and he joined the Air Force to follow that dream.
Rick was commissioned an Air Force officer in 1985, earned his pilot wings in 1986, and served in Strategic Air Command. He graduated from the highly coveted USAF Test Pilot School in 1992. He earned his master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from California State University, Fresno, graduating with distinction. Throughout his military career, Rick accumulated over 3,300 accident-free flight hours on more than 30 different aircraft and was a command pilot. He achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Rick Gertz carried himself with a spark in his eye. People instantly liked his smile, sense of humor, warm heart and intelligent mind. His most admirable personality trait, however was his modesty. Rick’s life was full of accomplishments but what mattered most to him in life was to be a loving son, husband, father, brother, and uncle. He took these roles to heart, becoming a complete joy and blessing to all of his family. He was a tremendous role model and devoted father to his sons.
Rick fought leukemia, as he would take on any of life’s challenges, with courage, faith, hope, a sense of humor and steely determination. His miraculous struggle with cancer affected the hearts of so many. Through it all, he taught his family and friends one of life’s most valuable lessons, “Every day is a good day, a precious gift!”
Rick was a gift from God. The sheer number of people who loved him gives testimony to the significance of his life. He will be missed every single day, loved, and carried forth through life in the hearts of those he left behind.
In addition to his wife, Susie Arnold Gertz, he is survived by his sons, Nathaniel, Michael, Christopher, and Alexander Gertz, and his stepson, Christopher Arnold; his parents, Richard and Phyllis Gertz; his sisters, Christie (Tim) Hackney, Teresa (Josh) Hyman, Jennifer, Elizabeth and Carolyn Gertz; and many nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, cousins and countless friends.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, and mother of his four sons, Diana (Leeper) Gertz; his paternal grandparents, Carl and Ruth Gertz; his maternal grandparents, Francis and Mary Taylor; and his uncle, Robert Taylor.
A funeral with full military honors will be held April 20th at 11 a.m. at the First Congregational Church, 6105 Center Road, in Traverse City, with the Rev. Gary Hogue will officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials contributions may be directed to the Father Fred Foundation, 826 Hastings, Traverse City, MI 49686.
