Alden James Hartz, 81, residing in South Bend, met his heavenly father when he took him by the hand Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2019, at his residence.

He was born Dec. 6, 1937 in South Bend, to the late Ernie and Amma (Smith) Hartz and has been a lifelong resident of this area.

After working as a tool and die engineer and developing three design patents, Alden retired from Zimmers-Warsaw in 1997.  He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army.  Alden was a hard worker and great provider for his family.  He could always lighten the mood with being funny and telling jokes.  He loved the outdoors and nature, where he was often found gardening and beautifying the landscape.  He was a member of Lighthouse Baptist Church, as he followed Jesus as his savior for the last sixty-nine years.

On Oct. 19, 1963 in South Bend, Alden was united in marriage to Sharon Rose Miller, who survives.

Alden is also survived by his daughters, Lurleen (Charles) Goodman of Fort Worth, TX, and Valeen (Joe) Vogel of South Bend; his son, James (Heidi) Hartz of Toledo, OH; five grandchildren, Lace (Julian) Bonilla, Tyler Hartz, Athena Vogel, Madelyn Hartz and Malachi Hartz and two great-grandchildren, Lincoln Bonilla and Rosalie Bonilla.

Funeral services for Alden will be at 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 21, 2019 at the Lighthouse Baptist Church, 3050 Edison Road, South Bend, Indiana 46615, with Pastor Joe Risinger officiating.  Visitation will begin at noon until time of service.

Friends may gather with the family from 3-6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019 at Palmer Funeral Home – River Park Chapel, 2528 Mishawaka Avenue, South Bend, Indiana 46615.

Burial will follow at the Southlawn Cemetery, South Bend with Military Honors.

Palmer Funeral Homes are in charge of arrangements.