John J. "Mort" Artzer, 81, of Brush, passed away Oct. 5, 2012, in Loveland. Mass of Christian Burial was held Wednesday, Oct. 10, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, with the Rev. Robert L. Wedow officiating. Inurnment was at Riverside Cemetery.

John was born Aug. 24, 1931, in Sterling to John M. and Elizabeth (Hochnadel) Artzer. He lived most of his life in Sterling, attending St. Anthony grade and high school.

John served in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in 1954.

In 1960, he married Wilda Jean Hayden.

John worked at Safeway in Sterling for 35 years, mostly as produce manager. He also worked in Akron Grocery Store and Brush Grocery Cart.

John was on a baseball team for years, bowling league and was an avid golfer. He was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Sterling and St. Mary's Catholic Church in Brush, a life member of BPO Elks Lodge No. 1336 and the American Legion Post No. 20.

He is survived by his son, John Gregory Artzer; stepsons, Cliff Hobbs and wife Gayle, Lloyd Hobbs and wife Joan, Virgil Hobbs and wife Kathy, Rick Hobbs; step-daughters, Tonna Hobbs and Rosalie Jean Ervin; brothers, Don Schell, Frank Schell and Larry Schell; sister, Betty Combs; and special friends, John and Shiela Sweenie of Brush.

John was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Joe Artzer, Andrew Artzer and George Schell; sisters, Pauline Artzer and Cecilia Calzada.

Memorials may be made to John Artzer Memorial.

Chaney-Reager Funeral Home handled the arrangements.