Reverend William A Gatz

Reverend William A. Gatz

William August Gatz (Bill) passed away on May 22, 2026 at the age of 93 after struggling with heart issues.  He was born on July 2, 1932 in Port Edwards, Wisconsin to Avolt and Hannah Gatz.  Bill was the third of four brothers Robert, John, James and Jerry.  He was preceded in death by his dear wife Trudy (Gertrude) of 63 years. 

William Gatz was raised to honor God and his country.  He was a veteran of the United States Coast Guard, serving his country during the Korean Conflict.  He was raised in the Lutheran faith and followed the Lord’s leading to attend the seminary shortly after.  Pastor Gatz followed the Lord’s “Divine Call” which led him to vicarage in Stratford, Ontario, Canada.  He and Trudy met at a local Sunday school teacher’s conference and were eventually called to their first congregation in Dashwood, Ontario where their oldest two sons were born.  Pastor Gatz was then Called back to his beloved Wisconsin where their youngest two children were born.  Their family of six would then move to Mississauga, Ontario and finally Jackson, Michigan. After retirement he continued to expand his ministry to Adrian, Holt, Leslie, Pinckney and Hudson. 

Pastor Gatz was a beloved pastor, friend and church leader and was known for his “mountain moving prayer.” Pastor Gatz felt it was a privilege to call upon the Lord in prayer, to prayer specifically and pray without ceasing.  His favorite Bible verse indicates his willingness to praise God in any and every situation. “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus,” (1Thess 5:18).  He prayed for miracles and prayed with expectation and encouraged others to do the same. Pastor Gatz continued to share his faith in Jesus to the nurses at the hospital and in hospice.

Pastor Gatz is survived by three sons and a daughter.  William (Stacy). Timothy, Lynne Gatz, and Peter (Angela) Gatz; grandsons, Brett and Braedon Gatz and a brother Jerry Gatz; along with nieces, nephews and cousins and long-time friends.

A celebration of his life will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church on Saturday, May 30th at 11:00am with Pastor Zach Holdorf officiating.  Interment will take place at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery in Adrian, MI on Monday, June 1st.

The family will receive friends at the Watson Funeral Chapel 2590 Spring Arbor Road in Jackson on Friday, May 29th from 4:00-7:00pm and the church on Saturday from 10:00am until the time of service.

Please express your condolences to the family at www.watson-funeral-chapels.com

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