Roderick Gene "Ottie" Garlitz

GARLITZ, Roderick Gene “Ottie”

Age 88, of Brookville, passed into eternal life on Monday, August 13, 2018. He was the ninth child born to Elmer and Helen Garlitz in Dayton. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and uncle. He was preceded in death by his parents; son Gary Kim; sisters Vivian Barney and Valetta Mosher; brothers Harvey, Wilbur, Raymond, David, and Russel.

Ottie proudly served on the front lines in the Korean War, as a U.S. Army Sergeant with the 5th Regimental Combat Team. HONOR FLIGHT for Veterans--on November 2, 2016, Ottie was escorted by daughter Amy to Washington, D.C. for the day to visit all of the War Memorials including Korea. Senator Bob Dole personally met them and had a nice discussion. The organization superbly honored and welcomed the Veterans home.

Ottie retired from a distinguished career with the United States Postal Service in the Brookville office and served as a State of Ohio Steward for Rural Carriers.

As a volunteer, he served the Boy Scouts of America and Explorer Scouts as the expedition leader for many Brookville scouts on multiple tours to the Charles L. Sommers Wilderness Canoe Base-Minnesota, Philmont Scout Ranch-New Mexico, and the Maine High Adventure Base-Maine. Mr. Garlitz was honored with the recognition of the Silver Beaver Award and Order of the Arrow distinctions for Scout leaders. He was the proud father of three Eagle Scouts—Rick, Kim and Mark. Ottie and wife Charlotte proudly followed daughter Amy on her performance tours with The Conquistadors to state, regional and national competitions.

For many years, Ottie served his community as the President of the Brookville Park Board and led the development of Gateway Park, the Golden Gate Park playgrounds, parking lots, baseball and soccer fields, as well as the parking lots and playground at Ward Park.

Ottie was a loyal Ohio State BUCKEYE football fan and avid sportsman who enjoyed fishing and hunting with family and friends. He had a vision to build a vacation and retirement home on Sugar Island in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. He fulfilled his dream and built the family Rural Retreat where he spent decades of summers and many winters.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of nearly 68 years, Charlotte; daughter and his caregiver Amy (Chuck); sons Rick (Patti) and Mark (Margo); grandchildren Christian (Melinda), Jarrod (Sarah), and John (Jill); and many special nephews and nieces.

The family wishes to send a huge thank you to Crossroads Hospice for their loving care.

Funeral services will be held Friday, August 17, 10:30 AM at GILBERT-FELLERS FUNERAL HOME, 950 ALBERT ROAD, BROOKVILLE, with military burial to follow in Royal Oak Memorial Gardens, Brookville. Visitation will be held at the funeral home 5-8 PM Thursday, and until service time on Friday. If desired, donations may be made to Honor Flight, the Boy Scouts of America-Miami Valley Council, the Paw Patrol Dayton, or donor’s choice.  E-mail condolences may be sent by going online to www.gilbert-fellers.com