Frank Watz

A loving husband, father, a grandfather too, this is the legacy we have from you” We are sad to announce the passing of Frank R Watz Sr. of Traverse City, MI. He died at age 79 on June 1, 2023. Frank passed away, surrounded by his family, after a battle with cancer. Frank was born in Saginaw Michigan on October 14, 1943 to Katherine Watz née Fortune. He graduated from Arthur Hill Technical High School in 1961 with an achievement award for printing. He joined the US Army in November 1962 and was stationed in Wurzburg, Germany until he was honorably discharged in November of 1965. He returned to Saginaw where he worked in the printing industry and attended Delta College. It was in Saginaw, Michigan where he met and married his love, Marie Clements, on September 9, 1967. They have been married over 55 years. They had 3 children and relocated to Traverse City in May of 1973. Frank began working at the Traverse City Record Eagle and continued to do so until he retired in 2005. Frank and Marie built their life and family in Traverse City. Frank was a kind man with the quickest of wits! One of his favorite hobbies was computers. He had to know everything about them. From his first Tandy, he studied, worked and learned all about every computer and program that came out. Anytime anyone needed help with their computer, they knew to call Frank. Frank enjoyed fishing, golf, billiards, and especially bowling. He would read on techniques and practiced to perfection on everything he did. He also loved to "just go for a drive" while Marie navigated. A destination was not necessary, it was "the drive" that would determine the destination. This sense of adventure even included family vacations that started off with no plans at all. Frank's faith was very important to him. He enjoyed attending church. He recently joined Redeemer Lutheran Church, where he loved singing in the choirs. You could also find him at home playing hymns on the piano. He was a member of the American Legion Bowen-Holliday Post 35. Most important to Frank was his family. He loved spending time with his wife, visiting his kids and especially seeing his grandchildren. Frank would jump in his car at a moment's notice, day or night, to be there if one of his kids or grandkids needed him. Frank is survived by his beloved wife Marie (Clements) Watz. He is also survived by his children, Deanna McSwain of Traverse City MI, Frank R Watz Jr (Jessica) of Indianapolis, IN., James Watz (Sarah Hill) of Ann Arbor, MI, his grandchildren, Justin Jewett, Allison Jewett, Madeline Gable (Joneile), Lucas McSwain, Sarah McSwain, Frank R Watz III, Tobin Watz, Eleanor Watz, his brother Wally Musial (Diane), his foster sister Pat Kelly (Mary DuBuis), brother in laws Arthur Clements (Judy) and Jim Melton. Frank is preceded in death by his mother, Katherine Musial, his 3 sisters, Frances Melton, Rose Mary Oosterveen, and Michelle Miller, his foster parents, Don & Lilian (Liz) Kelly, and his foster brother Don Kelly. A memorial service to honor the life of Frank Watz will be held at 11am on July 15, 2023, with visitation beginning one hour prior at Redeemer Lutheran Church (1896 Rogers Rd., Grawn, MI 49637). In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be sent to Redeemer Lutheran Church.

Frank Watz

October 14, 1943 - June 1, 2023