Walter R. Mutz Jr.

Walter Robert Mutz Jr., 94, of Portage, Mich., formerly of St. Joseph, passed away peacefully at Brookdale Assisted Living on May 17, 2024. He was born in St. Joseph on Dec. 26, 1929, to Walter Sr., and Effie (Binger) Mutz.

Walt graduated as valedictorian from St. Joseph High School in 1948. He dedicated his career to the Upjohn Co. for more than 40 years as a lithographer.

Walt married the love of his life, Kathryn "Katie" Wambaugh on Sept. 12, 1948. They shared 50 years of blissful marriage until her passing in 1999. The Lord blessed them with two sons: Jeff and Ken.

Walt enjoyed fishing and camping, especially at Lake Mitchell in Cadillac. Walt and his brother, Ted, would go to their grandparents' farm in Bridgman on Fridays when their grandfather took the day off to take them fishing in New Troy.

He enjoyed playing Euchre and Pinochle with friends and family. He always looked forward to sharing holiday dinners with his family.

Walter is survived by his son, Kenneth Mutz of Kalamazoo, Mich., two grandchildren; his siblings: Jane Jeffery of St. Joseph, Dale (Grace) Mutz of Knoxville, Tenn., and Allen (Mary) Mutz of Murrieta, Calif., and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Walter and Effie; his beloved wife, Katie, his son, Jeffrey and his brother, Ted.

Services for Walter will be held on Tuesday, May 21, at Langeland Family Funeral Home, 411 E. Centre Ave., Portage, MI 49002. Friends are invited to visit the family from 10-11 a.m. and a funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. with Pastor Mark Couch officiating. A graveside service will be held immediately following the funeral service in Mount Ever-Rest Memorial Park South.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Walt may be directed to Zion Lutheran Church, 2122 Bronson Blvd., Kalamazoo, MI 49008, or Centrica Care Navigators, 7100 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49008.

Please visit Walter's memorial webpage to share memories and condolences with his family at www.Langelands.com.