Douglas D. Lotz, 61, rural Mentone, passed away unexpectedly at 5:33 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20, 2023.

Doug was born on Dec. 27, 1961, in Warsaw. He was raised by his loving parents, Elza and Mary Ruth (Alderfer) Bruce.

Douglas D. Lotz

On May 18, 1996, in Mentone, Indiana he married Brenda (Coplen) Long. She survives. They spent nearly 27 years together.

He was a 1980 graduate of Manchester High School. In high school, he ran track and wrestled.

He was a lifetime truck driver and most recently worked for RVH Trucking of Tippecanoe. Doug loved and took great pride in his stepchildren and grandchildren. He truly loved being a stepfather and grandpa.

He lived life to the fullest and enjoyed socializing with friends. 

He is survived by his wife, Brenda Lotz, Mentone; mother Mary Bruce, Mentone; stepchildren Netha and husband Ben Baker, Mentone, Jamie Long and Tina James, Rochester, and Jake Long, Mentone; grandchildren Sadra Long and her companion Cameron Castle and his son Brantlee, Shelby and husband Jack Spirgel, Aris Long, Jameson Baker, Brogan Long and David Baker; sisters Sharon and husband Eric Ross, Mentone, Karen and companion Bobby Griffis, Beaver Dam Lake, and Kristine Lotz, Tennessee; several nieces and nephews; and loving companion, his dog, Pete.

Doug was preceded in death by his father, Elza Bruce. 

The funeral service will take place at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24, at King Memorial Home, 101 N. Tucker St., Mentone. The interment will take place in the Sycamore Cemetery, Mentone, following the service. Visitation hours will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24, at King Memorial Home, Mentone.

Memorial contributions may be made in Doug’s name to the American Heart Association. Family and friends may share a memory or send a condolence at www.hartzlerfuneralservices.com.