Waldemar Carl Paetz, Jr.

Passed away Thursday, June 6, 2024, at St. Francis Home.  Age 95 years.

The son of the late Alma H. (Catterfeldt) and Waldermar A. Paetz was born October 6, 1928 in Saginaw, Michigan. He graduated from Arthur Hill High School, Class of 1946. He married Muriel J. Kaufmann, June 20, 1948. She passed away December 27, 1996. He began his career working on the Great Lakes with the personnel of USS. “City of Midland.” Which sailed the Great Lakes out of Ludington Michigan. He was a skilled mechanic. He later was employed by Bill Hackett Studebaker, he subsequently owned and operated W.C. Paetz Garage. The pinnacle of his vocation was becoming a Ford Automobile Dealer. He was a member and Past Master of the Saginaw Valley Lodge #154 F.&A.M. He joined His wife Muriel as an active member of State Street United Methodist Church until it’s closure. He was an avid trout fisherman, instilling a love of fly-fishing and bush-craft camping in his children. Most of all, enjoyed spending time with his family. Every Sunday evening after a ride in the country it was family ice cream time.

What truly made him unique was his concern and love as he influenced the values and habits of the entire family, especially his relentless work ethic and legendary frugality.

Surviving are five sons, one daughter and their spouses, Robert and Carla Paetz; Waldemar Carl (W.C.) and Sandra Paetz, III ; Craig and Janet Paetz; Cynthia Paetz Simonetti and Mike Simonetti; Curt (Beaver) and Marsha Paetz; Clark and Michelle Paetz; 

He had 19 grandchildren: Jillian Heather Paetz Brooks, Jamie Lynn Paetz Moberg, Robert Anthony Burbank, Angel (Brian) Sparschu, Faith Anne Paetz, Bridgette Lynn(Matt) Paetz Dammann, Waldemar C. Paetz IV, Laura Muriel (Paul) Paetz Morris, Anne Martha Paetz, Jason Craig (Jane) Paetz, Adam Wolfgang Paetz. Misti (Matt) Simonetti Solek, Kimberly (Tims) Simonetti Johnson, Angela Simonetti Mummert, Crystal (Tim) Simonetti Sulecki, Michael Simonetti Jr, Benjamin Issac (Morgan) Paetz, Gideon Samuel (Alivia) Paetz, Clark Edwin Paetz Jr. 

He had 35 great grandchildren: Lauren T. Paetz Metouski, Dion Paetz Metouski, Kristian M. Paetz Brooks, Lars Alexander Paetz Moberg, Carolina Grace Paetz Moberg, Adam (Megan)_Jaenicke, Alivia Sparschu, Lucas Sparschu, Joseph Sparschu, Mallory Sue Slavin, Marissa Adrienne Slavin, Elizabeth Grace Slavin, Harrison Dammann, Spencer Dammann, , Zachary Paul Morris, Ryan Alexander Morris, Kendall Scott Morris, Jameson Craig Paetz, Miles Jeffrey Paetz, Mila Anne Paetz, Maggie Jeanne Paetz, Liberty Simonetti Solek, Maci Simonetti Solek, Sterling Simonetti Solek, Manning Simonetti Solek, Mirielle Simonetti Johnson, Maxden Simonetti Johnson, Emily Simonetti Mummert, Victoria Simonetti Mummert, Elizabeth Simonetti Mummert, Alden Simonetti Sulecki, Aeson Simonetti Sulecki, Aiden Paetz, Jaxon Paetz, Henryk Paetz

He had 4 great great grandchildren: Athena Simonetti Mummert, Henry Sparschu Jaenicke, Abram Sparschu Jaenicke, Caleb Liam Paetz Hernandez.

He was predeceased by and always grieved the passing of: Jillian Heather Paetz Brooks, Robert Anthony Burbank, Kristian M. Paetz Brooks and Anne Martha Paetz.

He is survived by his two sisters, Ruth Braun and Margaret and Jerry Luczak; 

The funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 14, 2024, at Zion Lutheran Church, 545 S. Seventh St. Freeland, Michigan 48623; Pastor Kevin O’Bryan will officiate with burial in Roselawn Memorial Gardens. Friends may visit with family at the W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 4480 Mackinaw Rd. from 3:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday and then on Friday at church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider the Mustard Seed, 1325 Cherry St. Saginaw, MI  48601, an organization which exemplifies the compassion, generosity and transformational love that Dad shared with everyone he knew.

The Paetz Family wishes to commend and express their earnest gratitude to Covenant Hospital, St. Francis Home and A&D Hospice organizations for their combined devoted effort to comfort and care for everyone of Dad’s final needs.

Arrangements entrusted to W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors.  Please share your words of condolences with the family at www.casefuneralhome.com