Zane Poltz

March 13, 1931 - October 13, 2015 ~On March 13, 1931, William Zane Blakeslee Poltz was born at St. Anthony's Hospital in Wenatchee, WA to William O. "Bill"and Avice (Sumner) Poltz. Growing up in the days of the Great Depression, he learned, along with his younger brother, John, how to work hard, save, fix things and find creative ways of earning money. During his childhood, Zane was given Biblical instruction and attended the Free Methodist Church with his mother and brother. In learning about his Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, he would often say that he wanted to be Jewish as they are God's chosen people. When his Dad lost his job, Zane quit school to go to work at Boeing to support his family. During those times, he was very grateful for the company's cafeteria, as that was the only hot meal available to him. "Day old" pastries - butterhorns - from a bakery outlet - were also cheap dietary staples for him during those times (He ate so many of them back then, that he had a strong aversion to them ever after). The work at Boeing also taught him machining skills, and, as he had a great mechanical aptitude, he was promoted quickly into the more technical areas of the industry. He left Boeing to join the Navy in August of 1951, and was stationed at Wahiawa on the island of Oahu, where he met and married Carole Anne Parker. After two years of service, they were both honorably discharged in 1953, and returned to live in Seattle, WA to finish schooling at Seattle Pacific College. After graduation, Zane took a teaching position at Evergreen High School in Seattle, WA. Being gifted in all types of machine and wood shop skills, he set up and developed the Industrial Arts class for the school, as they did not have one at the time he was hired. (In fact, the school had wanted to have him teach a regular art and crafts class ....bad idea. No Monets or Gauguins for him!) He loved being an instructor and he was good at training his students to use shop equipment. Over the years of his life, whether in the school setting, or later, in his business or at home, he was quick to teach those of us in his family, friends and employees, the proper use and care of many kinds of tools and equipment. It was very important to him to have plenty of good mechanical and maintenance supplies on hand to cover any contingency, and over the years of his life, he acquired a well-rounded collection of stuff to fix things with. While Zane and Carole Anne lived in Burien, WA, their two children, Beth and Blake, were born. Zane left his teaching position to become a sales representative for two kinds of industries....carpet and paint. The businesses paid more than the teaching position, but it kept him on the road. Desiring to be home with his family and wanting to be back in the Wenatchee Valley, lead him to buy property on Cherry St., and he became a partner in Crown Furniture in the early 1960's. The property purchased on Cherry St. included three homes. Zane and his family lived in the larger home, Grandpa and Grandma Poltz lived next door, and the third and smallest home became the first rental house and the seed of a new business. Together, by the grace of God, Zane and Carole Anne were able to grow the two businesses and raise their children. During those busy years, Dad was very active in the Rental Association of the Wenatchee Valley - helping with its formation to provide solid business ethics and information for other landlords in the area. He also took great interest in governmental affairs, especially those locally and at the state level. Though he never desired to hold an office, he made himself, his tools, and shop available to those candidates whom he supported. He became "the Sign Man" to many of similar conservative viewpoint. He was blessed with a fine singing voice (Daddy sang bass) and would often sing around the house, at church, and with two of his very good friends, Gordon Ohme and Jerry Koch. Together they became the "Gordon Ohme Trio" and had a great time entertaining many around the Wenatchee area and in Chelan, playing some nights at "Hughes Steak House" or on summer evenings at the cabin at Watson's Resort. Sailing was a large part of Zane and Carole Anne's life, too. Anything Dad undertook always required a great deal of study and he never went into anything halfheartedly. The collection of many books, boats, and boat parts, along with actively sailing, were among his very favorite things to do. He was generally the Captain on any vessel, and close friends and family were the crew. In these later years and after Carole Anne passed away in March of 2014, Zane, due to health issues, was more home-bound. Though a huge change for one so active, he was very appreciative of the many friends and family who visited and called and baked special meals! For the type of renal therapy that he needed, it could only be done in-home, and he was especially grateful for the loving sacrifice of time and skill given by his "little brother Johnny" and fiancee, Gayle Barnett, and his wonderful crew at Poltz Rentals, LLC. The care givers with Healthy Options became good companions and friends, as they helped with his daily routines and provided much comfort. As he passed into the presence of the Lord on Tuesday evening, October 13, 2015, he was surrounded by his family and close friends. We were very grateful for the kind and tender care provided by the staff at Central Washington Hospital during those last moments. We, his family, are so blessed to have had him with us these many years, and he taught us many things...Faith in Christ first and caring for others....Having grown up under financial hardship made him especially compassionate toward those in need and he was a generous man. Dad's favorite Bible verse is written on the mug that he always used for his green tea and occasionally, coffee - "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11 NLT In Jesus Christ, Dad's future is sealed, and as Jesus told us, "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." John 14:2-3 KJV. What a joy and promise - those mansions will never need new roofs or repairs!!! ~Dad was preceded in passing by his parents, William O. and Avice Poltz; and his loving wife, Carole Anne. He is survived by his brother, John Richard Poltz (Tonie); daughter, Carole Beth Gordon (John); son, Randall Blakeslee Poltz (Kathryn); grandchildren: Evelynne Paulston (Jeremiah), Clayton Gordon, Erin Poltz(Michael Hamlin), Heather Poltz, Justin Poltz; five great-grandchildren; along with his nephew, Troy Poltz(Jessica) of Wenatchee, WA, and their six children and niece, Heidi Krastel (David) of California, and their four children. ~The memorial service for Zane B. Poltz will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. with lunch to follow at: Cascade Mountain Bible Church (CMBC) in Leavenworth, WA. Located at 11025 Chumstick Highway, the church is approximately two miles (or four minutes) from Leavenworth, along Highway 209. The service and arrangements are being assisted by Telford's Chapel of the Valley. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Zane's name to CMBC for use in Missions.