Kory Lynn Wertz

God gained a passionate, gifted individual in Kory Wertz who passed away unexpectedly at a young age of 38 on March 2, 2024. Kory was born on February 24, 1986, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, Michigan to Van and Mary Wertz. He graduated from Charlotte High School with the class of '04.

Kory’s passion for fitness was unwavering and very dedicated. He proved this by his continued fitness education with multiple certifications achieved in different fitness fields. The day he cut the ribbon on ODP Fitness (Open Door Policy) was the highlight of his career. Owning his own business was something that Kory had always dreamt of. ODP Fitness was a huge accomplishment for Kory, but he wasn’t done yet. Kory had an outstanding amateur fighting career and continued on following his dreams in Mixed Martial Arts. Leveling up to a professional fighter status was an accomplishment itself he had always dreamt of and was so proud of himself for achieving. He loved MMA fighting. Soccer was also one of Kory's favorite sports. He was so good at working the ball with his feet. It was fascinating watching him perform.

He was more than proud of the family community he built within the gym and as a personal trainer. His drive to help people get fit was endless and admirable. Kory had this magnetic personality that you just wanted to be around him. It seemed magical in a way. From this he was able to form connections with his clients and helping them reach their ultimate goals was his reason for it all. Setting Kory apart from other fitness centers was his ability to do programing with endless hours put into strategizing each workout for the next two weeks out. Targeting the proper flow in body muscle usage to protect from injury never left his mind. It was important to Kory, and it showed. He never formulated one workout, class setting, or personal training session without thorough preparation with such compassion and experience included.

Hosting various fund-raising events at ODP Fitness also was a strong passion of Kory’s. From supporting the Autism Foundation to raising enough money to build several homes for the Mujeraue and the women and families in Totonicapán, Guatemala, are just to name a few. It was important to the ODP members, so it was important to Kory.

Once Kory made the move to Denver, Colorado he increased his knowledge of fitness and Mauy Tai, climbing mountains with his dog Josie, forming many connections, and making some lifelong friends. His love for snowboarding was one of his many highlights while in Denver. It allowed him to be the thrill seeker he was. Following his return from Denver with all of the knowledge he had gathered, Kory was adamant and beyond excited on opening ODP 2.0. Gathering equipment, making workout plans, and all the preparation that comes with opening a gym, he had done it all.

In his “free time” he loved doing construction jobs and constructing things based off of his own intricate blueprints. He was a perfectionist and made sure it was done right and correct the first time. Kory had always been an adrenaline seeker; from a very young age he was fearless in anything he did or tried. In his younger years his passion was BMX bikes, building crazy jumps, jumping over semi boxes, and so much more.

Kory genuinely loved all the time he spent with his friends, family, and his beloved dog Josie. He always wanted the best outcome for those he loved. To him the gym he created wasn’t a gym, it was a family, a community. This is reflected on the “Remembering Kory Wertz” page on Facebook. In true Kory fashion, his favorite saying, “I may not be there yet, but I’m closer than I was yesterday.”

Kory is survived by his parents, Van and Mary Wertz; brother, Trevor Wertz (Trevor’s fiancé Tracey Birman); niece, Jaelan Wertz; nephew, Brody Wertz; grandparents, Darry and Dee Wertz and Britt and Faith Morgan; aunts and uncles; Diane and David Franz, Cindy and Gil Vanneste, Julie Wertz, Rebecca Wertz-Dahlgren; numerous cousins, and countless more family and friends.

Kory is preceded in death by his Grandfather Kenneth Baur, Grandmother Marjorie Baur-Ballard; uncles, Wade Wertz, Shane Wertz, Paul Baur, and Dwight Baur.

A time of sharing and remembrance will be held on Friday, March 22, 2024, between 2:00-4:00 P.M. & 6:00-8:00 P.M. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. Friends are encouraged to support the family by attending the service on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at 11 AM, held at Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home, with a luncheon to follow at Hidden Creek Farms, 2181 E Vermontville Hwy, Charlotte, MI 48813. Please come and share your stories and celebrate Kory with us.

Donations can be received at the funeral home or you can contact Megan Large at (517) 983-0888, by text, if you would like to make a donation to help with covering the costs of funeral expenses.