D. Darryl Bartz

Hazel Green, Wisconsin

D. Darryl Bartz, 84, of Hazel Green, WI passed away on April 21, 2025 at Stonehill Health Center surrounded by his family. Darryl married his soulmate Lavona Anderson in Moline, IL. They have four children: David, Tracy, Kerie and Kristi, and celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary this past December. Darryl graduated from Alleman High School, Rock Island, IL, Regis College, Denver, Colorado where he played basketball and completed his MS in education from NIU, DeKalb, IL. Darryl committed his life to his family and education.

Darryl retired from Southwestern Community High School where he was the high school principal for 23 years. He was a charter member of AWSA (Association of Wisconsin School Administrators) and served as a president focusing on enhancing education for all students. He loved his community and was a member and president of the Hazel Green Lions Club. Darryl loved the pancake breakfast and all the projects they completed. He believed in goodness, caring for others and being a devoted Christian. He was a member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church.

Darryl was kind, honest and humble. He loved the students and teachers. He enjoyed being a teacher, a coach and a principal. Students were his priority. He loved having lunch with the students, coaching, and throwing end of the season pizza or chili parties! He loved the arts, music, theater, forensics, sports and ensuring everyone followed their passions. He believed everyone could be successful and reach their highest potential.

Darryl’s greatest joy was giving time and presence to his family, children and grandchildren that he so loved, and they reciprocated that love even more. He focused on fun: swimming, camping, hunting, fishing (especially the picnic), “grandparents only” weeks and countless hours traveling to events to be in the stands/audience to provide, smiles, encouraging words, loving support and immense pride.

Darryl is survived by his wife Lavona; daughters, Tracy (Greg) Kocialkowski, Kerie (Paul) Wedige, and Kristi (James) Klein; daughter-in-law, Brenda Bartz; grandchildren, Danielle (Bünyamin), Devin (Abby), Rachel, Amanda, Mitchell, Mikayla (Kyle), Mollie (Jacob), Dylan (Mikayla), Jarrett and Derek; step-grandchildren, Jennefer (Wesley) and Lukus (Kara); great-grandchildren: William, Daisy, Charlotte, Faylea, Eleanor and Ruby; niece, Lori Newberg; and nephew, Trent Snowden.

Darryl was preceded in death by his son, David; parents, Daniel and Virginia Bartz; sister, Lynn; and brother-in-law, Larry Snowden; and in-laws, Herbert and Evelyn Anderson.

A Memorial Fund in Darryl’s name has been established for further education within the community. Memorials may be sent to the funeral home at 123 N. Jackson St., Cuba City, WI 53807.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Stonehill Health Center for their compassionate care of Darryl.

Funeral services will be held at 5:00 p.m. Friday, April 25, 2025, at Casey-McNett Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Cuba City, Wisconsin with Rev. David Flanagan and Pastor Jasmine Tesdahl officiating. Visitation will be held from 1-4:45 p.m. Friday at the funeral home prior to the service. A private burial will be held Saturday at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens, Galesburg, Illinois.