L. Gatza

GATZA, L. Michael - age 75, of Fenton, formerly of Flushing, passed away on February 26, 2016 at his home. He was born in Flint on October 2, 1940, the 11th child of Anthony and Margaret (McAlindon) Gatza. He attended St. Michael's School where he excelled in every sport. Then he went on to play baseball at Western Michigan University and earned a B.S. in Education. After teaching a few years at St. Paul's in Owosso, Mike began working for GM in financial accounting. Upon retiring, he was recognized for 30 years of service. Mike married the love of his life, Julianna Speiser, from Napoleon, Ohio, on August 21, 1965. Together they raised 9 children and are the proud grandparents of 27 grandchildren. Last fall their children sent them to The Grand Hotel to celebrate their 50th anniversary. Mike loved to travel! By motorcycle, with his brothers, or sons across the country to California or to the Tail of the Dragon in the Smokies. By RV, a local trip camping, or a 10, 000 mile trek to Alaska. Mike also enjoyed reading, playing the harmonica, discussing politics, and other challenging subjects. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, seven siblings and a daughter, Tricia Ellen Gatza. He is survived by his wife, Julie and children, Molly Carl, Chicago, Jeni Kumaric (Tony), Huntington Beach, California, Tom Gatza (Andrea), New Lothrop, Penny Shanafelt (Matt), Flushing, Sara Seymour (Frank), Fenton, Joe Gatza (Missy), Grass Lake, Mike Gatza (Sarah), Milford, Cara Keay (Rory), Owosso. He is also survived by siblings, Sr. Marie Gatza, IHM, Monroe, John Gatza (Marcia), Linden, Eileen Wichlacz (Larry), Flint, and Robert Gatza (Carol Ann), Chicago. Visitation will be at St. John Catholic Church in Fenton on Friday, March 4 at 11 AM. Funeral Mass will follow at Noon. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or the Order of IHM sisters in Monroe, MI. Tributes may be posted on the obituaries page of www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.

Visitation

Friday, March 4, 2016 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church
404 N. Dayton St. Davison. 48423, United States

Funeral Service

Friday, March 4, 2016 12:00 PM
St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church
404 N. Dayton St. Davison. 48423, United States