Paul Panzer

With faith as his guide, Paul Panzer led a fulfilling and worthwhile life. While he shared the company of many friends, nothing could compare to the love he held for his family. He valiantly served his country of which he was patriotic and proud, and worked tirelessly for the benefit of others. Paul leaves treasured memories and will be sorely missed and fondly remembered in the hearts of many.

The roaring 20s brought forth many changes in the American culture. Women won the right to vote, and prohibition took effect, making way for bootleggers and gangland mobs alike. Families tuned their radios to the first broadcast baseball game, and Louie Armstrong was the King of Jazz. It was a period of economic prosperity for America, and nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan in the industrial city of Muskegon, Michigan, Paul Albert and Elizabeth Bone (McLardy) Panzer were experiencing changes of their own. In 1926 they welcomed a new child into their lives whom they adopted, a son they named Paul Alvin Panzer who was three years old. Paul was born January 13, 1923.

Growing up as an only child, the sandy beaches surrounding the city of Muskegon offered a young boy like Paul childhood adventures and fun-filled times. His father worked for the Brunswick Corporation while his mother, a registered nurse, also lovingly looked after Paul as a homemaker.

Having attended the local schools, Paul was well liked and enjoyed the friendships of many during his youth. From an early age he found appreciation in the great outdoors where he loved to fish. He also learned the value of hard work as he devoted much time to his paper route delivering the Muskegon Chronicle to 150 customers. Paul attended Muskegon High School where he graduated with the Class of 1941.

With the onset of World War II, many young men felt the call to duty, and Paul was no exception. At 19 he joined the U.S. Navy, serving from 1941 to 1947. During this time, he excelled as a Navy boxer for which he competed. Stationed in many areas of the world during his tour, he spent time in the South Pacific, Greece, Turkey, China, Italy and Alaska. Not only did it give him a greater appreciation for the nation he so loved, but it also allowed him to have vast experiences. However, one thing happened to Paul during these years that forever changed his life.

While serving in the Navy, Paul met a young woman named Annette “Peggy” Marshall who captured his heart. They dated while he was home on leave, and corresponded regularly while Paul was overseas. Soon realizing they were in love, they shared vows of marriage on April 5, 1948. He cherished Peggy with all his heart and often serenaded her with the song, “Peg O My Heart” throughout their life together. They made their first home together in an apartment on Hoyt Street in Muskegon. Paul got a job at Sealed Power Corporation to support his new bride, and eventually their new baby daughter, Pamela, born in 1948. After the war, he also took correspondence courses where he gained knowledge in engineering, the field of electricity as well as television and radio repair. Paul enjoyed acting in the Muskegon Civic Theater where he had the lead roll in the play, "Kiss Me Kate"

At the outbreak of the Korean War, Paul again joined the Navy, serving for two additional years. Once he returned home in 1953, he and Peggy moved to the thriving city of Grand Rapids, Michigan where Paul began working for Consumers Power Company. They lived on Jeanette Street NW, remaining there for the next 11 years. There they welcomed the birth of their son, Paul in 1956. As a family they were faithful members of Second Congregational Church and continued to worship there for years to come where Paul sang in the choir.

Involved in the lives of their children, Paul and Peggy took an active role and encouraged them in their endeavors. In 1964 they eventually moved to a home on Blueberry Drive. Enjoyable family vacations were spent in Washington, D.C., but many weekend trips included picnics on the beach in nearby Grand Haven, taking in the warmth of the sun and all that lakeshore living had to offer.

Paul and Peggy visited Florida often and in 1978 they began living there in the winter after buying a home in Englewood. Their family visited often and Paul always relished visits and spending time with his grandkids. While in Florida they became members of Englewood United Methodist Church and Paul sang in the choir there as well. Besides work and his dedication at church, when Paul was home he loved to tinker and putter around the house, in his workshop, and enjoyed caring for his yard. He loved to bowl, but as a member of both the Grand Rapids Elks Club and the Muskegon Elks Club, he also enjoyed golf. As members of the Elks, he and his family spent memorable times socializing there on the weekends. In all he did, Paul’s motivation was second to none.

It was a most trying time for Paul and his family when his son, Paul, was tragically killed. He also worked at Consumers Power Company, and died while working in a coal shoot. At 25 years old, he sadly left behind his wife of only three months. Needless to say, the loss was extremely difficult on Paul, Peggy and Pam. Shortly after their son’s death, Paul and Peggy moved from their home on Blueberry Drive in 1985 and spent their summers at their home on the river in Free Soil, MI. He spent much of his time there trout fishing. Paul was also a member of the Hook and Horn Club on the Pere Marquette River in Baldwin for 35 years. . He and his family enjoyed many weekends there as well.

For many years, Paul’s sweetheart Peggy suffered from scleroderma. The disease eventually took its’ toll on her and at the age of 76, Peggy died on November 4, 2000. They were happily married for 52 wonderful years. Although this was another great loss in his life, Paul clung to his faith and ventured on with the help of family and friends. He continued to golf and remained socially active at the Elks Club, his church and traveling to Florida.

Paul had several health issues of his own. He suffered from congestive heart failure for many years and had a few knee problems, including knee replacements. After taking a rather bad fall, Paul moved back home to Michigan. He moved into Whispering Woods Assisted Living and two years ago he began living at Pilgrim Manor. He enjoyed it there and made many new friends. He became involved in activities, and took part in Sunday services and choir. As his health continued to diminish over the last year, Paul was recently placed under hospice care. At the age of 87, Paul sadly passed away on Friday, October 22, 2010 with his daughter Pam lovingly at his side.

Devoted and dedicated, Paul put forth his best in all he did. With faith as his guide, he patriotically served his country, was a wonderful provider and loved his Lord. He held high to his Christian values and set a beautiful example in each of his endeavors. He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his daughter, Pam Griffin and fiancé, Dave Gerdeman; his granddaughter, Darci DeBoer; great-grandchildren: Emily, Paul and Abby DeBoer; former son-in-law, Tim DeBoer; sisters-in-law, Marva Marshall and Marge Marshall; numerous nieces, nephews and many friends. Cremation has taken place. A service to celebrate Paul’s life will be held on Monday, October 25, 2010, 1:00 PM in the Chapel of Pilgrim Manor, 2000 Leonard St. NE. Relatives and friends may meet his family on Sunday, 2:00–5:00 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home–Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Contributions in his memory may be made to Hospice of Michigan or the Compassionate Care Fund of Pilgrim Manor. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to sign his online guest book or to leave a favorite memory of him.