Frederick A. Colonel Brotz

Frederick A. "Colonel" Brotz, 92, of Metamora, IL passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 3, 2015 at Washington Christian Village with his two sons at his bedside. He was born on January 20, 1923 in Peoria, IL to Ernest A. and Marie (Reichert) Brotz. He married Betty L. Murray on Mother?s Day, May 11, 1947 at St. John Lutheran Church, Bartonville. She died on September 29, 2009. Surviving are his two sons Mike (Becky) Brotz of Williamsburg, IN and Dan (Tracey) Brotz of Red Bud, IL. He is further survived by five grandsons Tony (Lori) Brotz and Andy (Cheryl) Brotz both of Williamsburg, IN, Jeremy Brotz of Dexter, MO, Jeff Brotz of Pekin, IL and Jon Brotz and great-grandson Jett Brotz of Blytheville, AR as well as two great-granddaughters and one step-great-grandson all of Williamsburg, IN. He was preceded in death by his family, Francis Wetzel and Ernest Wendling. Known as "Fritz? in the Bartonville region, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1943. He served aboard the USS Santee, CVE 29 an escort class aircraft carrier, as a bow gunner during hostilities in the Pacific and an officer?s ward cook after the war until being discharged in 1946. He attained the rank of Seaman First Class twice. Fred worked for the N.E. Finch Company for 42 years starting at age 18, returned after the war and was the senior driver for over 20 years, retiring in 1985. Fred was the founding partner of the Brotz Auction Service beginning in 1978 and closing the business in August, 2003. He was involved in farming his entire life. He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Bartonville. He has been a loyal member of Spring Bay American Legion Post 1115, East Peoria VFW, Pontiac 40 & 8, Teamsters Local 627, Illinois State Auctioneers Association, National Auctioneers Association, and Hilton Lodge 1143 A.F. & A.M. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 12, 2015 at 11:00 am at St. John Lutheran Church, Bartonville with Reverend Michael Jones officiating. Visitation will be held on Monday, May 11, 2015 from 4:00 until 6:00 pm at Mason Funeral Home Germantown Hills Chapel and one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will be held in St. John Lutheran Church Cemetery, Bartonville. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to St. John Lutheran Church, Bartonville. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.