Earl H. Coutz, 86, of Montpelier passed away Wednesday morning at his home.  He was born on October 24, 1932 in Montpelier to Charles Henry and Myrth V. (Harrington) Coutz.  Earl graduated from Montpelier High School in 1950.  He then served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War.  He married Betty M. Ritter, and she preceded him in death.

Earl was a member of the Montpelier First Church of the Nazarene.  In 1996 he retired from Bryan Metals after 40 years as a Mill Operator.  Earl enjoyed going fishing, especially with his grandchildren, watching NASCAR, rabbit hunting and going to car shows.

He is survived by his children, Mark (Christy) Coutz of Pioneer, Norman (Bonnie) Coutz of Montpelier, Claudette (Micheal) Beck of Montpelier, Perry (Irma) Coutz of Pioneer, and Cheryl Sprague of Hicksville; twelve grandchildren and twenty-nine great grandchildren.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents, wife Betty, brother Wayne Zuvers, sister Wanda Southworth, and grandson Samuel Sierra.

Visitation for Earl will be on Monday, June 17th from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at the Thompson-Geesey Funeral Home on Empire Street in Montpelier.   Services will be on Tuesday at 11am at the funeral home with Pastor Daniel Coutz to officiate.  Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Montpelier.  Memorial contributions may be given to the church.