Jonathan Bruce Walz

Jonathan Bruce Walz, 52, of Prescott Valley, AZ (formerly of Cottonwood, AZ and New Carlisle, IN) passed away May 1, 2013 in Prescott, AZ. He was born July 15, 1960 in South Bend, IN to Roger & Kathleen (Penick) Walz. Bruce was a 1979 Plymouth, Indiana high school graduate. In 1979, he competed and won the Plymouth Automotive Trouble Shooting Contest at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and went on to represent the State of Indiana in the national competition. Because of his love of automobiles, he went on to receive a degree in automotive technology from the University of Northwestern Ohio in 1981. Upon graduation, he relocated to Prescott, AZ to be near family and pursue his career. Bruce lived a full and happy life regardless of the limitations bestowed on him after an accident in which he suffered a spinal cord injury on May 4, 1985 that rendered him a quadriplegic for the past 28 years. After the accident he lived by the motto “disabled not unable.” With the help of many wonderful caregivers, he enjoyed living in his Prescott Valley home with his beloved dogs. He always had a positive attitude and loved life with a smile on his face and a great sense of humor. He was a mentor to many and an inspiration to all that knew him. He touched so many lives by his positive outlook, caring words, and just how he lived life. He was loved by so many and will be greatly missed. The most important things in his life were family, friends, and helping others. He was an avid Ford enthusiast with a special love for Mustangs. He often spoke of his 1969 Mach 1 Mustang that he owned. He was a huge Notre Dame fan and enjoyed watching football games and motorsports racing. He was preceded in death by his son Eric Matthew Walz, father Roger Walz, mother Kathleen Webb, step-father Kenneth Webb, and brother Tim Walz. He is survived by his sister Betsy (Jim) Talboom of South Bend, IN; brother Scott (Donna) Walz of Prescott Valley, AZ; his step-sons whom he loved very much Wesley Peterson of Independence, OR, Mitchell Peterson of Cottonwood, AZ, and Michael Mitchell of Cottonwood, AZ; many grandchildren, nieces and nephews that he loved and adored. The family would like to say a special thank you to Dr. Duncan, the many nurses at YRMC and the home caregivers that cared so deeply for him through the years and became his closest friends. To read more about Bruce Walz’s life, go to www.brucewalz.com.