Final thoughts...

Thank you all for your well wishes as we raced through these last few weeks with dad. His final days were peaceful. He was restful, calm, cogent and full of laughter up until the end. We are all very grateful for those special times, and would like to thank you for your emails, calls and cards that we shared with dad every day. 

For those of who who have asked, we will hold one memorial service in Kansas City at Aberdeen Village, 17500 West 119th Street, Olathe, on Saturday March 28, 2015, from 10-11:30 a.m. We also plan to celebrate dad's life and legacy in Larned at the Knights of Columbus on a date yet to be determined. Afterwards, dad's ashes will be interred next to mom's.

Memorials are suggested to Aberdeen Village Good Samaritan Fund, 17500 West 119^th Street, Olathe, Kansas, 66061. His obituary is posted at www.kccremation.com.

I am attaching a copy of his obituary. Again, thank you all for your love and support.

Omar Schartz Obituary

Omar Schartz passed away March 13, 2015, at the age of 83, surrounded by his loving family at his home at Aberdeen Village, Olathe, Kansas. Omar was christened Charles Omar Schartz at Sacred Heart Catholic Church by his parents Charles Victor Schartz and Dora Louise (Sewing) Schartz. He was born on March 30, 1931 at St. Joseph Hospital, Larned, Kansas.

Omar was raised in the Zook community area south of Larned, Kansas, and attended Zook school until graduation from high school in 1949. He married his high school sweetheart (Gladys) Jewel George on January 29, 1951.

Omar and Jewel raised six children on a farm southeast of Zook which he bought at the age of 20. Jewel and Omar decided to terminate their farming and manufacturing operations in 1990 and moved to Larned to enjoy seventeen wonderful years of retirement. They made many dear friends in their little community at the top of the 4^th Street hill.

Jewel passed away in August, 2007, and a year later Omar reluctantly made the decision to leave his hometown and move nearer to family in Olathe where he lived seven fruitful and creative years. His artistic career flourished as he completed more than 20 paintings during that period. He was a long-time Pawnee County farmer, self-educated engineer, businessman, artist, entrepreneur, and inventor, and is the holder of numerous patents. He personally wrote and published his autobiography in 2014.

Omar is survived by six children; Anthony Omar Schartz and his wife Gretchen of Amarillo, TX; Sharon Schartz Garman and husband Ron of Rogers, AR; Susan Schartz Rankin and husband Mike of Olathe, KS; Cynthia Renee Potter and husband Mike of Olathe, KS; Carolyn Kay Bahr and husband Joseph of Denver, CO; and James Charles Schartz and wife Lisa of Abilene, KS; 13 grandchildren, Mindy (Schartz) Lehman, Jeff Schartz, Jenifer (Schartz) Kriewald, Tyler Garman, Joe Rankin, Paul Rankin, Joel Potter, Ashley (Potter) Azeltine, Alison Faye Bahr, Britany (Bahr) Harris, Jamie Schartz, Aubrie Schartz, and Jacob Schartz; 13 great grandchildren; one sister Corrine (Schartz) Brack, and husband Bob; two brothers Greg Schartz and wife Betty, and Gordon Schartz and wife Malia, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Jewel Schartz, parents Charlie and Dora Schartz, and sister Carol Jean Schartz.

A memorial celebration will be held at Aberdeen Village, 17500 West 119^th Street, Olathe, Kansas, on Saturday March 28, 2015, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.  A dinner celebrating Omar’s life and legacy will be held at the Knights of Columbus in Larned, Kansas, on a date to be determined.

Memorials are suggested to Aberdeen Village Good Samaritan Fund, 17500 West 119^th Street, Olathe, Kansas, 66061. Messages of condolence can be left at www.kccremation.com.

Omar's Final Harvest

 

Dad's final harvest...

 

 

 

Dad spent a lifetime sewing the seeds of great friendships...

 

Clark and Judy Redding

 

 

 The Hill Gang Cougars

 The Hill Gang

 

The Hill Gang bids adieu - May 2008

 

Anniversary celebration, 2001

 We do not want to guess the meaning of Judy's rad gang sign.

Dad's last day on The Hill. Judy's smile betrayed her sadness at seeing him leave.

Bottom row L-R: Cindy, Susan, Dad's sister Corrine Brack, Mike Rankin

 Back row: brother Gordon, Dad, Corrine's hubby Bob.

 

Dad's brother Greg Schartz

 

Forty years - forty great years. Pat and Barb Turner

Bill Walter, a wonderful friend and art buff at Aberdeen

Suzanne Wiley - we are so grateful she brought our family into the fold at Aberdeen.

Mom and Dad, August 2007

Dad signing off...

Dad's systems are beginning to fail and the cycle of life continues. Life's ebb and flow is something dad has always respected and revered.

His children and grandchildren are by his side day and night. He is never alone. We want you to know how important all of you have been to him and he continues to remember and reminisce about the love he holds for each of you, dear friends. 

March 4

 

  

Greetings all -

Dad has been struggling with various issues, including extreme fatigue, pain, lack of energy, and loss of appetite. We were visited by hospice today and have a strategy for moving forward.

Hospice has moved a hospital bed into his bedroom (along with all the accoutrements hospice has to offer), and that has helped immensely. He lacks enough energy to get out of bed, but we are able to attend to all of his needs, which are few. He is his usual jovial self, just in short spurts. He is sleeping most of the time, but when he is awake, we are all entertaining him with silly jokes that cause him to rear back in quiet laughter, which causes the rest of us to laugh loudly at our own puns.

He is the dearest of patients, and refuses to complain, although he does have pain issues that we are trying to deal with. He eats little bits here and there, with a few swallows of water now and then. We have plenty of meds to deal with the many issues that arise, but he sleeps very well.

Pictures from this week:

Paul talking "car talk" with dad March 1, 2015.

Susan hosted a soup supper with Mike's family March 1, 2015. Pictured L-R:
Dad, Paul, Nastya Barkova, Pat Rankin, Homer Rankin

 



We all enjoyed a delightful Italian fest from Zios. March 4.

L-R Payden Harris, Sharon Garman, Tony Schartz, Abbie Lehman, Gretchen Schartz, Mindy Lehman,
Mike Potter, Carolyn Bahr, Susan Rankin (photographer Brit Bahr)
(Not pictured: Jim Schartz, Aubrie Schartz, Jamie Schartz)

March 3: Jim pontificating about the best way to fry potatoes...

...Jim schooling us girls on how to fry the perfect taters
even though he did not have his cast iron skillet. March 3.

Me, dad and Sharon (March 3)

March 4, 2015. Dad relaxing in his adjustable bed, catching up on the news, email and his favorite blogs.

We have tons of family around right now and for many days to come, and it has been a true delight.

I know you all will regret not being in attendance, but The Singing Schartz Sisters serenaded dad with a few refrains of Sentimental Journey, Sugartime and Lullaby for Jim (written by mom).

My Ali and Joe are heading this way on Friday, so I will definitely update with more pictures and news then.

Thanks to all of you for your love and support. Again, if you want to contact dad, the best method is email at oschartz@Comcast.net, or via mail at Omar Schartz, 17500 West 119th Street, Apt. 3210, Olathe, KS 66061. I'm available by phone (913-645-4651).

Love to all - C

P.S. Science mystery of the day:

Dupuytren's Contracture (Omar, Sharon x2, Carolyn)

March 1, 2015

Greetings family and friends!

Brit and I joined dad for brunch on Sunday February 21.

I'm happy to update you all on dad's progress as of March 1, 2015. Dad is getting along pretty well. He had a long night of flu several weeks ago, and it has really taken it out of him. He was out of bed all night with stomach flu, the likes of which he hasn't experienced in 50 years. (And don't think for a minute that he enjoyed any of it!!!)  Mike Potter brought a lunch over to him the following morning after he had made contact with the sisters, and Cindy checked in on him again that night. The flu was resolved but the weakness has haunted him for weeks, unfortunately.

Dad is dealing with various issues which may be associated with his tumor (which is located behind his left ear and starting to encroach down his neck and further up behind his ear), his macular degeneration, or possibly just miscellaneous aging issues. He's been struggling with hours of dizziness each day, but the more concerning issue is extreme fatigue. Dad's chosen treatment plan since the melanoma was diagnosed was to decline medical intervention.  The doctors did not give dad any static about that choice, and sent him home to play this thing out.  Naturally dad is not interested in seeking medical consultation on the fatigue or dizziness, but the girls are going to have home health come in a conduct an evaluation this week, just to see if something simple like oxygen will make things more comfortable for him or if there are any other types of strategies we an utilize to make sure he's not uncomfortable.

But, ole dad,  he's as cheerful as ever and still sharp as a tack. He's listening to audio books and continues to enjoy surfing the web on his iPad and watching sports on TV.

Following are a few pics from the last couple of weeks:

Brit and Payden visited dad for brunch on February 15. So sorry I cannot rotate this picture. It's rotated correctly on my hard drive, but it flips back over when I insert it into this blog.

Another picture from brunch with dad on February 21.

Regarding communicating with dad, and due to the extreme fatigue, dad is spending less and less time on the phone. So if you try to call him and he doesn't answer, do not be alarmed. Susan and Cindy and the two Mikes are constantly over there and will be able to help if he is ever in trouble. As an alternative to phone calls, please feel free to send him an email or a letter.

Also, we are discouraging personal visits as well because it wipes him out. If you are going to be in town, please check with one of us to see what his situation is that day. He spends hours trying to recover from minor excursions throughout Aberdeen, so we are trying to keep his outings and visitors to a minimum, both in number and duration.

We all appreciate your concern and well wishes! Please send dad an email or a card - those brighten his days so much! Here is his contact information:

Email: oschartz@comcast.net

Mail: Omar Schartz, 17500 West 119th Street, Apartment 3210, Olathe, KS 66061

Many thanks to Susan, Cindy and their husbands Mike and Mike for the extra tender loving care of Dad. Dad feels the same way about that crew of four that are keeping watch over him, and appreciates their love and attention every single day.

Thanks for reading the blog. Let me know if you have any questions (913-645-4651).

Carolyn

Mid January

January 18, 2015

Hi there friends and family, I have been quite negligent in updating my dad blog, and I apologize. I'll try to get you up to speed since my last post on December 11.

Dad has been doing quite well, and had a rejuveniation at the end of December. He responded very well to physical therapy and resumed the use of his inhalers, which he previously found to be ineffective. Well he now appreciates how much the inhalers help, so he has become convinced of their usefulness.  He also greatly appreciates his fancy walker and feels much more confident and comfortable in having it on hand when he moves about. He doesn't use it at home as his treks involves fairly short distances. He is sleeping fairly well and enjoying his peaceful abode.

He had a full house over Christmas as I believe we all made it to Olathe at one time or another over the holidays. Jims, Tonys, Sharons...all of us, made it at one time or another to Aberdeen. Our visits are extremely tiring but he hangs in there as we cycle in and out over the days and evenings. We try to go in small groups because it's easier to be heard and understood. When there are a couple of our families together, its a verbal donnybrook with two or three small conversations going on at once. Yeah, not good. Everyone's missing one story or another!

Dad and little Ben Rankin

Joe Rankin and son Ben

 Paul Rankin and girlfriend Nastya

Susan, Mike and Paul Rankin

 

Payden, Joe, Carolyn

Brit and Ali

Dad was honored by Aberdeen with a personal retrospective of dad's artwork. I am attaching a copy of the Aberdeen Art Gallery News that announced his art show, which will run from January through mid February. I am also attaching some of the images of the process of hanging the photos. The gentlemen in the pictures are Bill Walters, who is the volunteer Director of the art gallery, and his buddy Ed.

 

Dad has been attending to his regular schedule in January. He normally goes down to the dining room for lunch, and then snacks on various treats and Coke for supper. Susan and Cindy (and the two Mikes) have been taking the greatest care of him and we all honor their tender loving care. Susan is in charge of his business and personal affairs, and both Susan and Dad have been working hard to get things in ship shape.

Dad was visited on Sunday by a friend of Susans named Trish Maggio from Miami, Florida, Trish's sister and their 94 year old father. Dad had painted a picture for Trish in the past and when she heard that he was unwell, they wanted to make sure to get a visit in. That group is pictured below (and also at the top of this post), in front of some of dad's paintings in the Aberdeen Art Gallery.

Ali, Brit, Payden and I were just there this weekend and dad is doing just fine. His tumor has grown quite a bit but doesn't bother him. He's not in any pain from it and it doesn't seem to be having any impact right now.  As we were vising him last night, the whole Potter gang joined dad for a visit as well. Joel was in town (without his family) for the funeral of Mike's father Duane Potter. It's been quite a while since any of us have seen Joel, so it was quite a treat.

Fabulous Potter family selfie with dad

Joel and Ashley with dad in front of a bare wall since many of dad's paintings

are downstairs in the art gallery.

We sent another shipment of books to Pat Schartz at the auxillary at the Pawnee Valley Community Hospital. She is selling the heck out of dad's books, and he is hearing from old friends from far and wide who have had a chance to read his book. That is a great joy to him and all of us! (Link to purchase book: www.lulu.com "No More Homemade Butter") A few years ago Susan and Sharon put together a book of his paintings (to that date) with a description of the paintings and his artistic process. That might still be available on Shutterfly.com.

My daugher Ali was walking through the art gallery last night at Aberdeen as Bill Walters was giving a visitor a tour of dad's paintings. Ali stopped by to describe some of the backstory to a few of the paintings, and the visitor's eyes were brimming with tears. He told Ali to tell her grandpa that he gave immense joy to a stranger that night, and to be sure and tell her grandpa how much he enjoyed looking at his art. Ali did tell dad the story, and we were all touched.

Dad is still busy surfing the web on his iPad as it brings him hours of joy and entertainment. Dad is following this blog, and he wanted me to tell you all that he sends along his love and best wishes. Thanks for all your prayers and support.

My best, Carolyn

Thursday December 11, 2014

So, dad has been diligently working with his physical therapist working on strengthening his ankles and legs. Plus maneuvering with his walker. He has also been more diligent about using his inhalers to keep his chest clear. Well, things are going swimmingly! He's much stronger and getting around quite well! Yay! In fact, the physical therapist released him to continue his strengthening work on his own. Fantastic!

Dad had a busy Thanksgiving weekend. He had visitors from Rogers, Arkansas. Sharon, Ron, Tyler, Lindsey, Stella and Victoria spent the weekend in Olathe. Below are some of the pictures from the visit. Also, Jim, Lisa, Jami, Aubrie and Jacob were there to celebrate Thanksgiving. The Potter family also spent some time with the family in Olathe. Susans were in Fort Collins visiting Joe and Bernadette and little Ben, and us Bahrs spent the long weekend in Denver.

We ordered a big load of books to send to Pat Schartz to sell at the Auxiliary sponsored gift shop at the Pawnee Valley Community Hospital. She is selling dads books like crazy! We're all very excited about that. If any of you are interested in purchasing your own copy, you can go to http://www.lulu.com/shop/omar-schartz/no-more-homemade-butter/paperback/product-21429016.html (a self-publishing company) and you should be able to purchase your own copy there.

I will post another update after Christmas. For now everything is stable and very smooth. Thanks for all your well wishes and inquiries!

Love, Carolyn

Weds November 19

Many of us had the opportunity to visit dad this past week and weekend. Pat Turner was there to visit dad last week and they had a great lunch.  His dear friend Judy Redding also visited last week while she was in town visiting her son, daughter-in-law and their two children. He immensely enjoyed the visits with his great friends!

Over the weekend dad was visited by Jim Saturday morning. Jim was bound and determined to make dad some fried potatoes like Grandma Schartz used to make. He also brought fried chicken and homemade coconut creme pie! Dad said the meal was delicious. Jim had to leave by 12:30 to go watch Aubrey march at the KU game. Tony and Gretchen and Mindy also visited on Saturday afternoon for a while. Then Saturday evening Brit and I dropped by to catch up. We had a nice surprise as Jim and Aubrey dropped by again after Aubrey was done with the KU game.

Sunday was another busy day with me, Brit and Cindy visiting dad late Sunday morning. Shortly after we left Tony and Gretchen were on their way back to visit again Sunday afternoon before heading back to Amarillo.

Dad is looking good and is as sharp as ever! He got his fabulous walker with brakes and a seat, and he said it was most useful when he walked down to the dining room earlier that week.

All is well and stable! Love to all of you!

Carolyn