Obituary of Stanley Gautz

Stanley Edward Gautz was born in Monroe on March 29, 1938. He was one of three children born from the union of the late Henry and Ethel (Havekost) Gautz. Stanley attended Monroe Schools graduating with the Class of 1955. On December 3, 1960, he married the love of his life the former, Mary Lou Brown at Zion Lutheran Church in Monroe. From their marriage came the birth of three sons. Stanley's highest priority was providing for his family, and he supported their needs in several capacities. He owned and operated his own water business for thirteen years, drove truck, farmed, and worked as a bus driver for Jefferson Schools. What Stanley cherished the most was the time he spent with family. The Gautz family worshiped at Zion where, Stanley served as an usher, and participated in the dart ball league for many years. He had such an easy going personality and could talk to anyone. Stanley had many varied interests as well. He served his community as a volunteer firefighter for the Frenchtown Fire Department for twenty-nine years. He belonged to car clubs, tractor clubs of South East Michigan, and the Frenchtown Senior Center. In his free time, Stanley enjoyed going to tractor pulls, antique shows, and auctions. Stanley Edward Gautz, age 75 of Monroe, passed away on Thursday, March 27, 2014 at Foundation Park Alzheimer's Care Center in Toledo. In addition to his parents, his passing was preceded by an infant brother. To cherish his memory, Stanley leaves his wife of fifty-three years: Mary Lou; three sons: Terry (Kathryn) Gautz, Tom (Alesia) Gautz and Tim Gautz; a sister: Arnette (Orin) Gahlau; five grandsons: Jason (Kelsi) Gautz, Shaun (Margaret) Gautz, Michael Gautz, Thomas Gautz and Kyle Gautz; one great- grandson: Joshua Gautz Friends may gather from 2:00pm - 8:00pm on Monday March 31, 2014 at Merkle Funeral Service; 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. He will Lie in State from 10:00am until a Funeral Service at 11:00am on Tuesday April 1, 2014 at Zion Lutheran Church, 186 Cole Road with Pastors Ross Ulrich and Pastor Gary Tryggestad co-officiating. Procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle for burial. Memorial donations for those who desire are suggested to Zion Lutheran Church or to the charity of donor's choice. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or make a donation by visiting www.merklefs.com; Online Tributes page.