Obituary: Stephen Jack Potz

Stephen Jack Potz, age 90, of Windermere, passed away peacefully on Dec. 21, 2022. He was born in Detroit, Michigan, on Nov. 24, 1932.

After graduating from De La Salle High School in Detroit, Michigan, Steve received a full athletic scholarship for rowing from Florida Southern College and moved to Lakeland, Florida. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree, Steve then continued his formal education, earning a Master of Business Administration degree from Rollins College.

In 1956, Steve married the love of his life, Marilyn (Utterback). They decided to settle in Windermere, Florida. Steve spent over 33 years in the U.S. Army, the majority of those years in the Army Reserves. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel.

He excelled in his civilian career of logistics management for the Martin Company and the Orlando Naval Training Center. He was a very involved member of Resurrection Catholic Church in Winter Garden, where he served on the board, as well as led the Usher Team for many years. Many trips were made by Steve to the Christian Service Center in Ocoee to help others.

Steve was active in the community, where he served on the Board of the West Orange YMCA. He was also a member of the Butler Chain Conservation Association, the Florida Watercolor Association and the Antique Automobile Club of America. Steve enjoyed volunteering at the Bay Hill Classic Golf Tournament and exhibiting his artwork, photography and antique car at local shows.

He loved to fish from his dock in the back yard, where he would feed his catch to the blue herons and egrets of Wauseon Bay. Steve enjoyed traveling with his wife and family, and they were the first timeshare owners at Westgate Resorts.

He enjoyed nothing more than attending the sporting events and activities of his grandchildren. When asked how he was doing, Steve always replied, “Better than I deserve,” no matter how he was feeling.

He is survived by his wife Marilyn, to whom he was married for over 66 years. He is also survived by his daughter, Bonny (John) Elder; grandchildren, Eva and Jack; his sister, Magdalene (Richard) Risko, of Sterling Heights, Michigan; and multiple nieces and nephews of Michigan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lowrenc and Eva Potz.

A Mass was held at Resurrection Catholic Church in Winter Garden on Dec. 28, followed by his burial at the Winter Garden Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make charitable donations to Foundation Academy, where the Art Room will be named in his honor. You can donate online at: foundationacademy.net/give/#give-now-form; or mail checks to Foundation Academy, 15302 Tilden Road, Winter Garden FL 34787 and add Stephen Potz Art Room to the check memo line.