🇺🇸 Mark L. Artz, 93 – US Army World War II Veteran

Mark L. Artz, age 93, of Valley View, passed away Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at his residence.

He was born on Thursday, April 12, 1927, in Pottsville, a son of the late Eston C. Artz and the late Mae (Dunleavy) Artz.

He attended the former Hubley Twp. High School and received his honorary diploma for service during World War II from Tri-Valley High School in 2002.

He served in the US Army during World War II.

Mark was an agent for Metropolitan Life Insurance Co, until his retirement.

He was a member of St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, Valley View.

He was also a member of F&AM Valley Lodge 797, Valley View, Harrisburg Consistory, and the Tall Cedars of Lebanon Millersburg Forrest 125.

Mark and his wife Phyllis received the Rotary Co-Citizen of the Year award in 2002.

Mark was one of the original ambulance drivers when the Hegins Ambulance Association began in the 1970’s. He also helped to design the ambulance building.

Mark was a lifelong Phillies fan. He enjoyed taking trips to the cabin and the shore, and spending time with his family. He and his wife enjoyed traveling throughout the country; they visited all of the lower 48 states.

His wife Phyllis L (Wagner) Artz, to whom he was married for 70 years, passed away one week prior to him on, November 25, 2020.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; by a brother, Warren E Artz; and by his beloved dog Odie.

He is survived by a daughter, Debra L Barry and her husband Richard of Hegins; a son, M. Steven Artz and his husband Thomas C Strickler of State College; two grandsons, Thomas E Barry and his wife Hayley of Valley View, and Phillip M Barry and his wife Alyssa of Valley View; four great-grandsons, Connor Barry, Caleb Barry, Carter Barry, and Cooper Barry; a great-granddaughter, Riley Barry; and one niece and one nephew.

Funeral services for both Mark and Phyllis will be held at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, Valley View, on Tuesday, December 8, 2020, at 1:00 pm, with Rev. Duane Bardo and Rev. Jack Murray officiating. Please follow CDC COVID-19 guidelines for the service.

Masonic services for Mark will be held at 11:30 am on Tuesday at the church. A viewing for both Mark and Phyllis will following the Masonic service from noon until 1 p.m.

Burial will be made in St. Andrew’s Cemetery, Valley View.

Memorial contributions can be made to Hegins Area Ambulance Association, 352 Gap Street, Valley View, PA 17983.

Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Valley View, is in charge of arrangements.

Condolences can be left for the family at www.buffingtonreed.com.