Peter Jerome Pultz Sr.

Peter J Pultz, Sr., 90, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 21, 2021. Born September 7, 1931 to Francis and Grace (Graley) Pultz, Pete graduated from Battle Creek Lakeview High School in 1949. Pete proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War as a sonarman aboard the U.S.S. Knapp from January 1951 through November 1954.

Pete married the love of his life, Betty Jean Mackey, on June 23, 1956. They lived in East Lansing while he attended MSU, graduating in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Education.  Pete and Betty moved to Jackson where he started his teaching career at West Intermediate, moving to Hunt Junior High School during the 1960s and finally to Jackson High School in 1969 before retiring in 1986. Known as “Coach Pultz” to scores of swimmers, Pete devoted his life to further swimming and diving in Jackson. He also coached other sports as needed including football, basketball, and golf. Actively involved with the First Presbyterian Church as an Elder, Pete spent many years greeting attendees as an usher.

In retirement, he continued to tutor students, and volunteered as a timer at track and field events. Free time was spent golfing on various leagues and traveling with Betty and friends, as well as hunting and camping. At home, Pete loved to garden and work outdoors—growing his own vegetables and meticulously maintaining the landscape around their home. Indoors, he was a constant reader and an avid wood carver, enjoying countless hours creating carvings as gifts and for their personal collection. Pete enjoyed time with family and friends, always ready for a card game or dominoes. He treasured traditions of gathering annually for special events, whether the holidays with family and close friends or going to ‘deer camp’ with the guys.

Pete is survived by his children Laurie Nelson of Jackson; Michelle (John) Orthaus of Hanover; and Pete (Kate) Pultz, Jr. of Royal Oak; sister Diane Peresie of Pennsylvania; and half brother James (Loan) Francisco of California; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Betty; his father Francis Pultz; mother Grace Francisco; step-father Loren Francisco; sister Shirley Hade; and son-in-law Bill Nelson.

The family will receive friends at the Watson Funeral Chapel in Jackson on Thursday, December 2, 2021 from 1:00-3:00pm & 5:00-7:00pm.  In order to maintain maximum protection for all present at this time of visitation, the family has requested that face masks be worn.   In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made the Jackson High School Swim Boosters, 544 Wildwood Ave, Jackson, MI 49201.  

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