Calvin J. Gritzmaker

Calvin J. Gritzmaker, age 93, formerly of Blissfield and Adrian, passed away Sunday, October 28, 2018 in Fort Myers, Florida. He was born May 25, 1925 in Ridgeway Township to John and Mamie Gritzmaker. Calvin graduated from Blissfield High School and served in the US Army in Italy during WW II. After returning from service he married his sweetheart, Ethel Johnston of Adrian, and they were married for 72 years and raised three children. Calvin was a farmer and auctioneer and also worked at Tecumseh Products and Uarco. He had a passion for helping others and was a disaster relief volunteer, and he and Ethel spent many years living out of their RV traveling the country doing volunteer work for Christian organizations and camps. They both were passionate about their faith in Jesus and were members of Raisin Valley Friends Church. Calvin was a hard worker who cared for others with a heart of generosity. His humor and smile brought warmth wherever he went, especially amongst his family. Although he could talk fast as an auctioneer, it was his gentle and kind spirit that stood out to all who knew him. He is preceded in death by his brother, Max Gritzmaker, and grandsons, Todd Gritzmaker and Andrew Graves. He is survived and greatly missed by his wife, Ethel Gritzmaker, a son, Craig (Mary) Gritzmaker, and daughters, Diane (David) Huszar and Rosanne (Jerry) Briscoe. In addition, he left a lasting Godly legacy to his 12 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. A private joint memorial service for Calvin and Ethel will be held at a later date.

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