Born November 30, 1928 passed peacefully March 12, 2023.
Red was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joanne D. Kertz, on May 2, 2022. He made it 10 months without his bride and never celebrated their April 7 wedding anniversary without her. Red and Joanne were married 66 years.
Red took great pride in being from Epiphany Parish on the SouthSide, serving his country in the Army, founding Kertz Iron Works (1947), coaching tens of kids at St. Dominic Savio, and serving his Catholic faith. But, Red saved his greatest pride for his family.
Red is survived by 5 children – Mike (Lisa) Kertz, Anne (Jack) Kertz Kernion, Mary Kertz, John (Allison) Kertz, and Dan (Lila) Kertz. From that brood of 5 sprung 11 grandchildren – Sarah (Lee) Markle, Jennifer (Reji) Jacob, Elizabeth (Brady Clegg) Kernion, Jason (Chelsea Lipocky) Kertz, Katie (Bryant) Schweers, Jackson (Antonia Peacock) Kernion, Alison Kertz, Ella Kertz, Grace Kertz, Louis Kertz, and Sadie Kertz. To Red’s delight, 10 more “Kertzes” currently represent as his great grandchildren – Luke Jacob, Leo Jacob, Morgan Markle, Milly Markle, Mack Markle, Percy Clegg, Sawyer Clegg, Charlie Clegg, Micah Schweers, and, the youngest great grandchild, Callie “Little Red” Kertz.
Red “for the hair I used to have” Kertz was so darn proud of his family. He told anyone and everyone so. This 5’9” giant of a man will be missed.
Services will be held at Seven Holy Founders Catholic Church (6741 Rock Hill Rd., Affton, MO 63123) on Friday, March 31, 2023. Visitation 9:00 a.m. Memorial Mass 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
Our condolences. Thinking and praying for your family. Sending our deepest love to the whole family.
I first met “Red” when we became neighbors in Epiphany Parish in 1941. We were good pals in high school, worked after school at Hanneke Drug, served mass together at the Old Cathedral every Sunday. We played team sports and were neighborhood buddies.
Looking back I find it incredible that we spent pretty much our whole life as friends. This includes wives and children, weddings, trips, many great times and always lots of laughs. We vacationed numerous times with our young families and remained best friends. We travelled with as many as nine young kids, in two packed station wagons, on two lane highways, both in MO and cross country. Who in their right mind does that? As our children grew and went off on their own, we cruised and traveled abroad.
Red and I joked a lot. One day he decided that since he was a couple months older, I had to say something at his funeral. “Maybe this time you’ll listen!”
Red always greeted me by affectionately calling me “big boy.” Into my 50s now, I stilled looked forward to being called “big boy” by Mr. Kertz whenever I saw him.
I have so many great memories of being with Red and his family. One that I’ll share here is Red taking all of the rows of seats out of his van when I was in high school so that my dad, battling back problems, could lay down flat while Red drove him to watch me and Dan Kertz play whatever sport we were playing that day. It was tremendous kindness, but it also ensured that he had someone to have a beer with during or after the game. I like to think it was mainly the kindness, but it was probably a horse race:)
It’s no secret how much Mr. Kertz loved his family, and in recent years I enjoyed getting him talking about his grandchildren. His face would light up and he would tell me their many accomplishments. What a blessing that so many grandchildren and great grandchildren got to know him. And what a blessing that I did too–a great role model and friend.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Paul Strifler on March 29, 2023
My mother, Bertha Strifler, and Red’s mom, Joanne, were the best of friends and worked together for Dr. Sayman of Sayman’s Salve. Our families visited each other when all the kids were younger. We would have Velvet Freeze ice cream at the Strifler’s and homemade ice cream at the Kertz’s. Red got me my first job at Hanneke’s Drug Store when I was only 13 years old. I and my siblings (4 brothers and sisters) enjoyed playing with Red and his siblings so many years ago – we have many fond memories of those years.
This obit warms heart. Really sweet.
Served this great country; started his own business; had a brood of kids, grandkids, and great grandkids, & all with his bride by his side: Thats a life well lived.
Red sounds like the Greatest generation personified. God Bless the Kertz family