Eric Joseph Artzer, age 51, of Ottumwa, Iowa, formerly of Red Oak, Iowa, passed away Monday, August 7, 2023 in Ottumwa. Eric was born July 14, 1972, in Ft. Dodge, Iowa the son of Larry and Pam (Myers) Artzer. He was raised in Red Oak and graduated from Red Oak Community High School in the class of 1990. Eric, with the inspiration of his grandfather, Richard Myers and the help of Norm Yeager, received his pilot's license at the age of 17. He later received his instrument rating flying his grandfather's Cherokee airplane. Eric then attended Iowa Western Community College receiving certification through the A & P program. Eric enlisted in the United States Air Force in March 1992 and later completed Officers Candidate School and enrolled in the pilot program. During his career he flew the F-15 Strike Eagle as the WSO and was selected to attend Weapons School which is the Air Force's version of Top Gun. Eric was united in marriage to Jeanne Maher on April 25, 1998 in San Antonio, Texas. They lived several different places before he retired from the Air Force in 2012 as a Major. They moved to Arizona where he worked for Modern Technology Solutions until 2015 when he and Jeanne moved to the Des Moines area. Eric worked at the DTOC for the Iowa National Guard at the Des Moines Airport. He was an F-15 Strike Eagle Expert and wrote instruction manuals and taught in the simulation program for pilots. Eric retired and moved to Ottumwa, Iowa in February of 2022.

Eric was a past American Legion member who enjoyed collecting and shooting guns. He was a woodworker, a bowler, enjoyed drawing, and loved his dogs. He also loved the 4th of July and was known for his firework displays.

Preceding him in death were his grandparents: Richard and Patricia Myers and great grandparents: John and Lucille Maddox. Survivors include his children: Aries Bergstrom of Boise, ID; Aubrey Artzer of Des Moines, IA; and Maddox Artzer of West Des Moines, IA; parents: Pam and Phil Schoening of Red Oak, IA; sisters: Stephanie Jeffords of Chicago, IL and Jessica Welch and husband Ben of Viroqua, WI; niece and nephew: Grace Jeffords and Ben Jeffords; uncle and aunt: Allan and Jane Myers of Spring Branch, TX; and many other relatives and friends.

A graveside celebration of life service with military honors will be held Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at the Evergreen Cemetery in Red Oak, Iowa. There will be lunch and a time of fellowship to follow at Red Oak Lanes bowling alley. Family and friends will gather at Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel by 10:30 AM on Tuesday to go to the cemetery in procession. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the K9s For Warriors.

Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.