George Joseph Kertz

George J. Kertz was born December 10, 1933 in Bloomsdale, MO to Johanna and George H. Kertz. He died peacefully on May 13, 2026 in Worthington, OH. He met and married his loving wife, and bridge partner, Susan in Toledo, OH, where they happily lived for most of their fifty-six year marriage.

George and Susan had three children: Eric (Andrea) of Columbus, OH, Mark (Victoria) of Aliso Viejo, CA and Joan (James) Yurko of Saratoga, CA. He was affectionately known as Papa to his six grandchildren: Hailey Kertz, Katlyn Kertz, Jacob Yurko, Peter Kertz, Juliana Yurko, and Jillian Yurko.

George earned degrees from Cardinal Glennon College in St. Louis, MO, Saint Louis University, and The University of Michigan. He was a Professor in the Mathematics Department at the University of Toledo for thirty-four years, retiring in the year 2000. While at the University of Toledo, he wrote several textbooks in Mathematics, served on various faculty committees, and was Associate Chair of the Department for some years. He was especially proud of his introduction of the Computer Science option for Mathematics majors at the University. George also served in the US Army Signal Corps from 1956-1958.

George was one of nine children. Surviving are his sisters Betty (Robert) Braun and Joanne (Eugene) Sutterer and brother Tom (Mary Lou). Deceased are sister Ann (Herman) Elze and brothers Paul, Jim (Marilyn), Dan, and Pat. 

George was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 1848 in Bloomsdale. In Toledo, George and Susan were long-time parishioners of Gesu Catholic Church, where he volunteered in many roles, including delivering prayer cards to those in the hospital. George enjoyed exploring his various interests, among them sailing, glass blowing, cooking classes, and wood working. He also enjoyed playing cards and other games, organized playing groups at the University, and taught a class on the mathematics of gaming at Lourdes. After his retirement from the University, he worked with taxpayers for H&R Block and in a picture framing shop, eventually starting his own framing business. Additionally, George authored a series of children's books, which were inspired by telling bedtime stories to his grandchildren, who in turn gave him guidance in their creation. George and Sue also enjoyed traveling together in their retirement, particularly on river cruises in Europe.

George was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend who was committed to doing what is right and to his faith in God. He was a hard worker and a creative hobbyist known for his clever sense of humor and easy laugh. George is dearly missed but now resting in eternal peace with Susan.

Funeral services will be held at Gesu Catholic Church in Toledo on May 30, 2026 at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in memory of George to Catholic Charities Diocese of Toledo (https://catholiccharitiesnwo.org/how-to-help/new-donate-page.html).