Verne Fredrick Wuertz passed peacefully into the loving arms of his Savior on Monday, April 3, 2017, at Sunrise Hospital in Las Vegas, NV following a brief battle with congestive heart failure. Family members were present at bedside to bid him farewell. Verne was born July 29, 1924, to Fredrick Wuertz and Eunice Ruth Hanson Wuertz in Vermillion, SD.

The family moved to Coolidge, AZ in 1930, where Verne grew up assisting his father and brothers in caring for the family farm. Times were tough during those depression years, but the Wuertz family was tougher. Verne learned the value of hard work and determination early in life and it stood him well as an independent farmer/cattleman in his adult life.

He loved football and played for Coolidge HS and his beloved Univ. of Arizona. He was a tough lineman, and often played both ways the entire game. He graduated from U of A in 1947 with a degree in Agriculture. He farmed in Coolidge AZ for two years before moving to the Palo Verde Valley to grow cotton in 1951.

In 1958, he was named California Young Farmer of the Year by the California Jr. Chamber of Commerce. He served on the Soil Conservation District Board for 24 years, including 14 years as president. He served over 10 years on the Riverside County Production Credit Board. Locally, he served on the Palo Verde College Foundation Board for several terms.

Verne became a Master Mason in 1971 and served Blythe/Needles Lodge 473 as its Worshipful Master in 1976. In 1980 he was installed as Chaplain and served in that capacity for the next 32 years. He also joined Gideons International in 2001 to assist in spreading God's Holy Word through that ministry. Verne delighted in giving Testaments to young students at the camp's annual distribution to Blythe Middle School.

On August 29, 1948, Verne married the love of his life, Katherine May Hammon. They soon produced three sons: Larry in 1949, Robert in 1950 and William in 1953. Verne took pride in his sons completing college BA degrees and two even earned MA degrees. Verne and Katy celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary last August with family and friends on hand.

Verne is survived by his wife Katherine, sons Larry (Barb), Robert, and William, grandchildren Jeremy (Robin) Verne II, Jonathan (Erica), and Michelle, four great-grandchildren, and 21 nieces/nephews.

Verne was preceded in death by parents Fred and Eunice Wuertz, Brothers Wayne, Wilbur and Paul Wuertz, a sister Hellen Anderson, and a grandson Jeffrey Wuertz.

A viewing is scheduled on April 11th at Frye Chapel and Mortuary, 633 N. Seventh St, Blythe, CA from 6pm to 8pm. A worship service celebrating his life will follow on April 12th at 10am. Rev Gere Hoemann (ret) and Wor Ted Morris will officiate.