Jonathan "Tim" Gerritt Baatz

Jonathan Gerritt "Tim" Baatz, 87, of Maple City, passed away on Sat. July 5, 2014 at the Masonic Home in Alma where he had been living for the past four years. Tim was born on Nov. 1, 1926 in Detroit to the late Robert D. and Margaret E. (Welch) Baatz. When he was four years old the family moved to Maple City where he attended Shady Valley School and worked on the family farm. When WW II broke out he left for Detroit to work at Chrysler. Tim was then drafted into service with the United States Army where he was trained in Radio School. He served in Germany as a code breaker until his discharge in 1946. He was in the Michigan Reserves until he reenlisted for the Korean War. After the war he worked for the C&O Rail Road as a station agent retiring after 31 years. He was a longtime member of the Masonic Lodge #597, Scottish Rite, Shriners, Knights Templar, and VFW. Tim volunteered every year at the Old Settlers Picnic in Burdickville as well as the NMC (Olesen’s) BBQ. Tim is survived by six daughters; Margaret "Peggy" Alaxanian, Ruby R. Sykes, Roberta D. Baatz, Jeanine G. Graunke, April E. Baatz, all of North Carolina, and Karen E. Udd of Illinois, and their mothers Theresa and Sharon; sisters Grace Vert, Marjorie (Bob) Lessard, Gwen Durga and Ruth “Sally” (Frank) Majszak; sisters-in-law June Baatz and JoAnn Baatz; 20 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Tim is preceded in death by his wife, Joan (Kilinski) Baatz; sons, Irving E. Welch, Kim "Mickey" Welch, and Robert D. Baatz III; daughter, Terri L. Warren; brothers R.D., Rod, and Arnold; and brothers-in-law, Jack Vert and Al Durga. Visitation for friends and family will be held on Wednesday from 5 – 8 pm at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held Thursday, July 10 at 3:00pm also at the funeral Home with visitation starting at 2:00pm. Graveside services will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery where he will receive full military honors by VFW Cherryland Post #2780. Memorial contributions in memory of Tim may be directed to the Masonic Pathways in Alma. Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Jonathan's family by visiting www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com Arrangements for the family have been entrusted to Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Jonathan "Tim" Gerritt Baatz

November 1, 1926 - July 5, 2014