Obituary: Jeffrey John Vertz

Aug. 15, 1955 — March 17, 2024

Jeffrey “Jeff” John Vertz, age 68, passed away on March 17, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer at St Mary’s hospital in Madison. Jeff was born on Aug. 15th, 1955, in Sturgeon Bay to Elizabeth (Kasbohm) Uecker and Floyd Vertz. The eldest of 5 children, Jeff grew up in Door County. He graduated from Southern Door High School in 1974 where he still holds track records (in yards). He had many fond memories of spending time with family and friends. He was an avid sports fan and participant, spending many weekends at the ball diamonds. Jeff would spend the summers at Bacon Cherry Orchard shaking cherry trees, then later worked for the Sturgeon Bay street department. In 1983 he moved to Portage, Wisconsin where he started a 24-year career with the Columbia County highway department. He retired at the age of 59 and enjoyed riding his Harley around Wisconsin and followed his dream of riding it to Sturgis. In his spare time, he was a part of many (winning) dart, pool, and softball leagues and tournaments, including never missing a year of softball at the Sky High tournament.

In 2000, he met his wife, Nancy Moyer and they were married on April 13, 2012. Nancy and Jeff shared a passion for riding their Harley and most weekends they could be found exploring the back roads of Wisconsin. Above all, Jeff loved his children and grandchildren, where he would frequently be found attending their sports and school events. Whenever Jeff had a chance, he loved bragging about their accomplishments to anyone who would listen (and some who didn’t).

Jeff is survived by his wife, Nancy; daughter, Resa (Chris) VanIten of Luxemburg, Wisconsin; two sons, Kyle (Alexandra) Vertz of Green Bay, and Nick Vertz of Billings, Montana.; stepdaughter, Stefanie (Brandon) Yahnke of Portage.; five grandchildren: Madelynn and Maci VanIten, Anthony and Hunter Yahnke, and Wayne Vertz; Mother, Elizabeth Uecker of Sturgeon Bay; four sisters; Patty (Joe) Weber of Institute, Michelle (Jim) Hanson of Sturgeon Bay, Louise (Brian) Franda of Sturgeon Bay, and Betty (DJ) Kittell of Demark, Wisconsin; one brother, Floyd “Fuzzy” Vertz Jr. of Portage; numerous nieces and nephews; and many dear friends.

Jeff was proceeded in death by his grandparents and father, Floyd Vertz Sr.

Jeff’s wish was not to have a service, but to celebrate his life. A celebration of Jeff’s life will be held Sunday, April 7 from 11am – 4pm at the Elks Lodge # 675, 201 W. Conant St. Portage. In lieu of flowers, Jeff’s family will be making donations to the local sports and recreation organizations.

Jeff’s family would like to extend a special thanks to the 8th floor nurses, and palliative care nurses of St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison for their compassionate care.