Paul Charles Witzke III, 83, of Marysville, died peacefully on Thursday, January 11, 2024. A loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Paul always put family and friends at the center of his life. He was known as one of the kindest, friendliest souls you’d ever meet, and he will be dearly missed.
Originally from Bay City, Paul was born on January 24, 1940 to the late Mary and Paul C. Witzke II. Paul later moved to Roseville, where he would meet his life-long love and partner, Shirley (French) Witzke. Paul and Shirley met when he moved onto her street in Roseville; they soon became high school sweethearts and were married on July 23rd, 1960 in St. Clair Shores.
After graduating from Roseville High School in 1958, Paul worked several jobs until finding his niche at the Ford Motor Company, where he worked as a Machine Repair Leader for 34 years. His job at Ford fit two of Paul’s interests: solving thorny mechanical problems and motor vehicles.
In particular, Paul had a passion for riding and maintaining motorcycles. He rode anything with wheels, from dirt bikes to road bikes to ice racers. Later in life, he fulfilled a lifelong passion by obtaining a beautiful blue Harley Davidson, which he loved. He soon joined, with Shirley, the Harley Owners Group in Lapeer. Together they enjoyed the camaraderie and friendship of the HOGs for several years.
Paul was also a talented artist who particularly enjoyed painting. His paintings often portrayed peaceful country scenes that reflected the area where Paul and Shirley lived for several years, near Ortonville. Paul’s family still cherish the many beautiful paintings he left that serve as reminders of his kindhearted soul and artistic spirit.
In addition to Shirley, Paul is survived by his two beloved children, Sherry (Brian) Carroll and Paul C. Witzke IV; grandchildren, Thomas, Erin and Caitlin Carroll, Rachel (Mark) Wilke and Cory (Erica) Chisholm; great grandchildren, Teagan, Bryson, Alexa and David; brothers, Richard and Howard Witzke; brother-in-law, Richard (Marlen) French; and nieces and nephews, Rick French, Ronda Dunn, Howard Witzke Jr., and Scott Witzke. He was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Susan Witzke; and sister-in-law, Dorothy Witzke.
Visitation will be from 1-3 & 5-8 p.m. on Friday, January 19, 2024 in the Marysville Funeral Home. Funeral services will take place between the visitations at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, January 19, 2024. Shaun Laurain will officiate. Friends and family may view the livestream of the service by going to Paul’s obituary on the funeral home website.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Dementia and Alzheimer’s Resource Committee. To send condolences, visit marysvillefuneralhome.com
