Obituary of Robert Lartz

Robert Charles Lartz, age 84, of St. Petersburg, passed away on May 8, 2021. He was born in Gary, Indiana in 1936 and moved to Forest Park, Illinois in 1940. He graduated from Proviso High School in Maywood, Illinois and attended Elmhurst College, Elmhurst, Illinois. He married Karen Lee Gablin of Maywood, Illinois in 1956. He was with Jewel Food Stores for 15 years before moving to Florida with his wife and son from Addison, Illinois in 1969. They purchased and operated two motels in St. Pete before Bob joined the Pinellas County Park Department as a Park Ranger. He was a Resident Supervisor for Fort DeSoto County Park for 13 years. He retired from the County in 1998, returned to St Petersburg and was currently residing at Five Towns Condominiums. Bob had varied interests and was very active in the Society of American Magicians as Jingles the Magic Clown. Jingles performed at hundreds of parties, both private and corporate, including guest appearances on local TV shows. "Jingles" retired when Ranger Bob retired from Fort DeSoto Park. In 1997, his son Brian retired from the Air Force as a Jet Fighter Mechanic, and returned to St. Petersburg from Langley AFB, VA. It can be said now, that Bob has retired from life as we know it here on Earth, but he is now embarking on a new and exciting journey in the heavens above…one promising many new travels, yet for us all to take. Bob was preceded in death by his loving wife of 49 years, Karen and his sister, Yvonne “Bonnie” Fritz. He is survived by his son, Brian Lartz of St. Petersburg; nephews Steven Broten and Michael Gablin and niece Lynn Weber. The past three years Bob enjoyed creating memories with Evelyn Johnson, his "Little Elf" and special companion. A Celebration of Bob’s Life will be held at Anderson McQueen Funeral Home, 7820 38th Avenue North, on Sunday May 23, 2021 with a Gathering at 1:30pm, Service at 2pm and a reception to follow.