Brian Donald Bartz, 61, of South Whitley, died tragically Wednesday morning, October 13, 2021, on his way to work at the Fort Wayne GM Assembly Plant when the motorcycle he was riding was struck by an SUV attempting to pass in the fog near Roanoke.

Born May 25, 1960, in Detroit, Michigan, he was a son of George and Carol (Kindt) Bartz. Growing up in Detroit, he graduated from Lake Shore High School in 1978.

On February 6, 1987, he married Vicki Sue Harrold. They made their home in Clinton Township, MI, and later St. Clair Shores, MI, before moving to Huntington, Indiana, in 1997. In July 1998, they moved to their present home in South Whitley. Vicki was tragically killed in an auto accident in 2017.

Since 1997 he was employed by the General Motors Fort Wayne Assembly Plant as a material handler.

A car enthusiast, he owned a 1990 fox body Ford Mustang that he enjoyed working on and driving. A gun collector, he liked to shoot whenever possible and sought out unusual firearms for his collection. Maintaining a cabin in northern Michigan, he would visit there many times throughout the year, delighting in camping and outdoor activities. Grandchildren were his pride and joy, and he loved spending time with them.

Surviving are his two daughters, Heather Sue (Derek) Denman of Huntington and Heidi (Zachary) Green of North Manchester; six grandchildren, Aubree, Brantley, Cambry & Waylan Denman, and Hailey & Oliver Green; his mother, Carol Bartz of Clinton Twp., MI; a brother, Scott (Leslie) Bartz of Saint Clair Shores, MI and a sister Julie Day of Royal Oak, MI.

He was preceded in death by his father, George Bartz.

A gathering of family and friends is 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City, with a memorial service at 7 p.m.

Memorials in Brian's honor are to Riley Children's Hospital.