Bernard Laverne Critz

Bernard Critz, Sr., the oldest of five children of Russell and Mable Lydia Brand Critz, was born June 11, 1928, in Clarke County and died Feb 25, 2021 at his home in Palmer, Iowa. He was 92.

He received his education in Clarke County, completed his GED and one year of college in Dallas County, Iowa. He married Glendoris Irene Davenport on June 20, 1954 in Van Wert, Iowa. They became the parents of six children, Gail, Bernard Jr., Dawn, Russell, Sue and Gay.

Bernard became a Cummins Diesel mechanic in his early years of marriage and raising a family. He worked at Cummins Midwest in Des Moines until 1972. During his career he was rated by the Cummins Factory as the #1 Cummins mechanic in the state of Iowa and one of the top ten in the nation. Bernard continued as a diesel mechanic at various locations until his retirement in 1989.

Bernard was an avid golfer and upon his move to Manson in October 1993, became a member of the Manson Golf and Country Club where he golfed every day. On the days he couldn’t golf, he rode around the course on his golf cart and heckled those who were golfing.

Bernard was the happiest when playing a practical joke or “getting the best” of someone.

Bernard is survived by five children; Gail Johnson (Rick) of Palmer, Dawn Fitzgerald (Rick) of Chickamauga, GA; Russell Critz (Teresa) of Rossville, GA; Sue Mayberry of Huntsville, TX; Gay Poindexter (Eugene) of Huntsville, TX; daughter-in-law Machelle Critz of Las Vegas, NV, 13 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and other friends and relatives.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Glendoris in 2014; one brother, Daryl Critz; his son Bernard Critz Jr (JR) in 2018; Great-granddaughter Elainia Mabel Critz and brother-in-law, Glenn West.

Visitation will be at Larson Weishaar Funeral Home in Manson, Iowa on March 4, 2021 at 1:00 pm with the funeral following at 2:00. There will be a luncheon and get together following the funeral at the Manson Golf and Country Club. All are welcome.

Interment will be a private event with immediate family.

Memorials can be sent to the family to be distributed at their discretion.

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