Woody Lee Bertz

A Memorial Service for Woody Lee Bertz will be held on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Bustard’s Funeral Home. Woody passed away on January 4, 2026.

Woody was born on October 25, 1956, in Casper, Wyoming, the oldest of three children born to Woodrow Wilson Bertz, Jr. and Donna Kay McKinzie-Bertz.

In 1974, he married Cheryl Franklin, and together they welcomed two children, Ryan and Amber. Woody worked in the oilfield for many years—a career that carried his family across Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico.

After his years in the oilfield, Woody returned to Wyoming before eventually moving to Colorado to be closer to his brother. Shortly after welcoming another daughter, Taylor, he returned once again to Wyoming, where he most recently resided.

Woody loved fishing and camping in the Big Horn Mountains with his family, often spending more time patiently untangling his children’s fishing lines than fishing himself. He enjoyed music—especially Classic Rock and Celine Dion—and was a memorable cook whose meals somehow required nearly every dish in the kitchen. He loved his family deeply and was always ready for a backyard BBQ.

He was known for giving truly unique gifts—sometimes so unexpected that his family wondered where the idea had come from. He took great joy in attending his granddaughters’ school orchestra concerts and relaxing with episodes of Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune.

Woody is survived by his mother Donna; son Ryan; daughter Amber (Rhett); daughter Taylor; grandchildren Alec, Felicity (Hudson), Chloe, Isabella, Alessandra, Emelia, and Adelyn; sister Lori (John); Aunt Ronna; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Woodrow, and his brother, Rocky.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a reception immediately following the memorial service at the Casper Elks Lodge.