Obituary of Ethan Roger Giertz

Ethan Roger Giertz, age 47, passed away suddenly, from a blood clot, at his home on March 10, 2022. Ethan was born in Ft Scott, KS on August 16, 1974, to Bula White Giertz and Eldon R. Giertz. He grew up on the Prairie Center Farm south of Liberal and loved farming including raising his own cattle and planting soybeans for FFA. He attended Liberal R2 schools and graduated Salutatorian of his 1992 class. He was active in FFA, band, baseball, and track. He studied hard and was able to attend MSSC, Joplin, MO in the Honors Program graduating in 1996. He went on to obtain a master’s degree in Economics at Washington State University, Pullman, Washington. Ethan was an active 4-H member and won many awards and trips both for 4-H and FFA. Beginning in the 8th grade he did photography for the high school, including developing his own photos in the darkroom. He loved taking photos and continued to do so to the present time. He loved the outdoors, riding his bicycle, fishing, driving country roads and jogging. His passion was helping others no matter what kind of project he was involved in. He became the Volunteer Coordinator for Peterson Outdoor Ministries and received the Outstanding Volunteer Award in February of 2022. Ethan was involved in civic activities including being active with the Carl Junction planning committee, BNI Group, and being involved with supporting local, state, and federal politicians. Ethan worked in retail or management areas upon graduation from college including Shopko, Target, Deals, and Cave Gang Pizza. At the time of his death, he was working with the McDonald’s 5 stores in Carthage, Lamar, ElDorado Springs and Butler as the maintenance supervisor. He was also an Independent Associate for LegalShield. Ethan is survived by his parents, Bula and Eldon of Liberal, MO; son Brennon, US Navy; uncles and aunts, Don and Elaine White of Girard, KS, David and Linda Giertz of Mobile, AL and Janet Clemens of Carl Junction, MO; cousins, Tina and Gene Dixon, Ron and Linda White, Ted and Perrin Giertz, Becky and Sam Kuehl, Tim and Rachael Giertz, and Angela Jones; goddaughter Janessa Jones. He is also survived by family members from a previous marriage, Roger and Heidi Richmond and family, Angela and Ansel Revel and family, Tracy Dean, and Kevin and Jane Graham. Ethan was a kind, loving person and had many, many friends. He will be greatly missed by his family and anyone who knew him. Memorial services are under the arrangement of Konantz Warden Funeral Home, Lamar, Missouri. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Peterson Outdoor Ministries, Lodge of Hope. A memorial service will be held at Lodge of Hope at Peterson Outdoor Ministries, where Ethan volunteered, at 2:00 PM on April 9, 2022.