Mr. Howard C. Zettel

November 10, 1922 - December 2, 2011

Zettel, Howard C., of Saginaw, Michigan joined his Savior and loving wife on Friday, December 2, 2011, at home with his daughters at his side. Age 89 years. Howard was born on November 10, 1922, in Saginaw to the late Christ and Meta (Blank) Zettel. He owes much of his Christian life to his mother, a Lutheran school teacher for 25 years. He was a lifelong member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, where he was very active, serving on all boards and loved his church and school. He served in the US Army for 38 months in the Pacific Theatre during WWII. He retired as manager of Stevens Van Lines, Bay City, in 1985, and spent his next 13 years keeping busy doing odd jobs, volunteering, painting, and loved working outdoors. He loved children and was known for squeezing their hands until they said, “Grandpa, or Mr. Zettel, you’re the greatest.” He was a life member of the Optimist and Traffic Club. He lived in the same house in all but the first two years of his life. He was the old man of the block keeping it tidy. He married Doris Wenzel on September 20, 1947, in Saginaw. She predeceased him on March 31, 2010. They shared 62 wonderful years together. Surviving are four daughters, who lovingly cared for their parents, Connie (Thomas) Domson, Saginaw; Kathryn Guster, Saginaw; Janet (Michael) Clayton, Saginaw; Carol Zettel-Smith, Belding, MI; six grandchildren, Kristi (Garett) Kraus; Jacob (Tara) Domson; Philip (Brynn) Guster; Steven (Raquel) Clayton; Scott (Jessica) Clayton; Laurie Clayton; five great-grandchildren, Andrew Kraus, Alex Kraus, Matthew Clayton, Samantha Clayton and Jonathan Clayton; brother-in-law, Charles (Shirley) Wenzel and sister-in-law, Joyce Wenzel. Howard was preceded in death by his son-in-law, James Smith, sister Pauline (Clinton) Howell, nephew, Ronald Howell, brothers-in-law, Adolph (Lois) Boesenecker, Melvin (Arline) Wenzel and Edward Wenzel. The family also wishes to extend a thank-you to Advantage Home & Hospice Care. “Death is not a period, it’s only a comma.” -- Howard Zettel FUNERAL - Funeral service will take place at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 6, 2011, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 600 Court St. The Rev. James F. Krueger will officiate with a private family committal in Holy Cross Lutheran Cemetery. VISITATION - Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the Wakeman Funeral Home, Inc., 1218 N. Michigan Ave. on Monday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., then at the church on Tuesday from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service. MEMORIALS – In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Holy Cross Lutheran School. Memories and sympathies may be shared with the family online at WakemanFuneralHome.com