Melvin "Mel" Eugene Bartz, age 70 of Grand Rapids, Minnesota passed away April 12, 2025 at The Emeralds of Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids, Minnesota.

Mel was born September 21, 1954 in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, the son of Carl and Nellie Bartz of Marble, Minnesota.  He graduated from Greenway High School in 1972 and Minneapolis Vocational Technical School in 1977. Mel was employed by Itasca County for 32 years as a financial worker.

Mel loved the Mamas and Papas – especially the son, "California Dreamin." It became his favorite song ever!  Mel loved that he graduated from Greenway High School, and how they were State Champions in hockey in 1967-1968.  He loved his yellow Jeep Renegade Sport and it made him happy being the "Yellow Flash" out on the road.  Mel enjoyed eating breakfast at Dottie's Hometown Café in Grand Rapids. Camping at the Cohasset Dam, Kom-On-In Beach and Cutfoot Sioux Campground with friends and family were favorite pastimes.  Mel found peace in sobriety and his relationship with God later in life.

He is survived by his two children, Justin Bartz and Melanie Trunt; grandchildren, Maiya Trunt, Chloe Trunt, Madelyn Trunt, and Nathan Trunt; and his former wife, MaryAnn Kenjalo.  Mel is also survived by his brother, John (Betty) Bartz; niece and nephew, Kristy Randall and Jered Bartz.

There will be no services at Mel's request and his cremated remains will be scattered by his family.