Clayton Wurtz

Clayton Verne Wurtz, 90, of Baroda passed away on Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at Lakeland Specialty Hospital, Berrien Center.

Funeral services will be held 11 AM Monday, October 19, at Zion United Church of Christ in Baroda with Rev. Christopher Noffke officiating. Burial will be in Ruggles Cemetery, Baroda. Friends may meet with the family from 2-5 PM Sunday at Pike Funeral Home, Boyd Chapel, 9191 Red Arrow Hwy., Bridgman. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be given to Hospice at Home.

Clayton was born June 9, 1919 in Naperville, Illinois the son of the late Rev. Samuel and Emma (Zelmouska) Wurtz. He served in the US Army during WWII. On November 28, 1939 he married the former Pearl Catherine Kugle. He retired from Bendix Corp. in St. Joseph in 1983. Family was the focus of Clayton’s life and actions. He also enjoyed working on and repairing heavy machinery.

Survivors include his wife of 69 years, Pearl; five children – Jay (Jan) Wurtz of Bridgman, Wendie (Tom) Shafer of Baroda, Marybeth (Doug) Harmon of Baroda, Gayle (Todd) Herrick of West Olive, and Virginia Watkins of Baroda; a daughter-in-law, Wanetta Wurtz of Baroda; 24 grandchildren; 35 great grandchildren; six great great grandchildren; two brothers – Paul (Donna) Wurtz of Saginaw, Michigan and William (Harriet) Wurtz of Oxford, Michigan; and a sister, Hope (Keith) Haley of Sebwaing, Michigan.

Clayton was preceded in death by two sons – Verne Wurtz in 2005 and Clayton “Lee” Wurtz in 2008; two great great grandchildren; two brothers – Roy Wurtz and Arthur Wurtz; and a sister, Bernadine Cox.

Visitation

2-5 PM ,Sunday, October 18, 2009
Pike Funeral Home, Boyd Chapel
9191 Red Arrow Hwy Bridgman, MI 49106

Funeral Service

11 AM ,Monday, October 19, 2009
Zion United Church of Christ
9100 Church Street Baroda, MI 49101

Military Rites of Burial and Commital

Monday, October 19, 2009
Ruggles Cemetery
Stevensville-Baroda Road Baroda, MI 49101