Charles “Chip” Planz age 64 of Bridgewater, CT died unexpectedly at New Milford Hospital on Monday January 30, 2012. He is the husband of the late Barbara (Allen) Planz. Chip was born May 27, 1947 in New Milford, CT a son of the late Frederick and Rebecca (Frazier) Planz. He was a 1965 graduate of New Milford High School, received a Bachelor’s Degree from Bucknell University and a his teaching certificate from Western Connecticut State University followed by a Master’s of Science. Chip was a math teacher at Nonnewaug High School, Woodbury, CT for 37 years, served as department chairman until his retirement in 2009 and was awarded ‘Teacher of the Year’ for district 14 in 2001. He loved being an active part of the Bridgewater community, as a volunteer fireman, EMT, working at the annual fair and being a member of the Nature Conservancy. Chip’s exuberance for life took him from Cape Cod to Disney, from his tractor, hiking and the shooting range to model railroads and classic cars. Throughout his life his greatest love has been his close knit family who he now leaves behind. Chip is survived by his daughters; Rebecca Hearn and her husband Patrick of Bridgewater, CT and Jennifer Schilkowski and her husband Jeremy of New Milford, CT, his brother Dr. Frederick (Rick) Planz and his wife Marylou of Bridgewater, CT, nephews Justin Planz and his wife Jill and Austin Planz and his wife Kate and his close friend Pam Jones of Southbury, CT. A Memorial service will be held in the Bridgewater Congregational Church, on Saturday February 4, 2012 at 2pm. A Gathering of Friends will be held in the Colonial Funeral Home 87 Park Lane Rd, Friday evening from 6 until 9 pm In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Bridgewater Volunteer Fire Department, 100 Main Street South, Bridgewater, CT 06752