Herbert "Herb" Lotze

Herb (his preferred name) departed this life early on December 16, 2021. He was born August 27, 1933, in San Bernardino, CA, to a music educator and real estate investor. His family was deeply musical and devoted to their church.

After receiving an associate degree in music, he joined the United States Navy as a cadet pilot. In a career of twenty-six years, he achieved the rank of commander, served as squadron executive officer, experienced multiple deployments, and finished his undergraduate degree in political science. He also earned a Master of Science degree in systems safety from USC. He received numerous awards and recognitions and was flight instructor to many young Navy pilots who held him in high esteem. His service assignments included San Diego and Corpus Christi (twice each); also, Bremerton, WA; Virginia Beach, VA; Rota, Spain; Naples, Italy; and Taiwan. He was on active duty during both the Korean and Vietnam conflicts.

Following his retirement from the military, he joined Lockheed Aircraft corporation as a Systems Safety Engineer where he was instrumental in implementing many safety features now in use in today’s military airplanes.

While he loved his airplanes and the military deeply, the biggest love of his life was Beth, to whom he has been married for 67 years. Together they had four daughters, ten grandchildren, and fifteen great-grandchildren. He has been a resident of Hamilton County since 2009, along with Beth.

Predeceasing Herb are his parents, Herbert E Lotze, Sr and Patricia M Lotze, along with son-in-law David Greer.

He is survived by beloved wife Beth, daughters Cynthia (Barry) LeBlanc of Noblesville; Elizabeth (Eric) Bruening of Spencerport, NY; Cathryn Greer of Buford, GA; and Shirlee (Rick) Tomlinson of Simpsonville, SC; as well as his brother John (Robin) Lotze of Apple Valley, CA. His grandchildren (to whom he was “Pop-pop”) are Heidi, Joshua, Joseph, Bethany, Katherine, Charity, Esther, Rebecca, Heather, and Benjamin.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 21, 2021  at 11:00 A.M. at Hartley Funeral Home Cicero Chapel, 209 West Jackson Street, Cicero, IN 46034, with burial to follow at Hamilton Memorial Park, Westfield, Indiana.  Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. until time of the service.  You may send condolences at http://www.hartleyfuneralhomes.com.  

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