Gary L. Pautz

Gary L. Pautz, age 78, of Reedsville, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, February 1, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Gary was born on July 25, 1947, the son of the late Lester and Ethel (Grimm) Pautz. He graduated from Reedsville High School in 1966 and served in the Army Reserves.

On April 11, 1970, Gary married the love of his life, Bonnie Schultz. He was employed by the Village of Reedsville, where he dedicated many years to street maintenance, snow removal, and road repairs, always looking out for the well-being of both the village and its residents.

Gary was known for his quick wit, warm smile, and ability to strike up a conversation with anyone he met. He was active in his community serving as a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Wayside, the Reedsville Fire Department for 18 years, the Reedsville Athletic Association and Al’s Alumni Classic Scholarship Committee.

Though fiercely competitive, Gary wore his heart on his sleeve. This competitive spirit gave way to coaching his wife’s softball team, as well as his children’s and grandchildren’s basketball, football and baseball teams. Gary also helped build the local softball field from the ground up and faithfully maintained the fields for more than 40 years. In recognition of his dedication, the field was later named in his honor. Nothing made him happier than watching his three boys and grandchildren play sports, and he rarely missed a game.

Gary treasured time spent “up north” with family and friends—hunting, fishing, traveling to Canada, and building the family cabin together. Many life lessons and lasting memories were created there.

He was one of the original members of the Starks Softball Team, now in its third generation playing each August at the Patti’s Lounge Tournament in Kellnersville. Gary’s love of sports earned him induction into the Lakeshore All Sports Hall of Fame in 1993 and the Manitowoc County Softball Hall of Fame in 2002.

Gary is survived by his wife, Bonnie; his children: Shane Pautz (special friend Laurie) and her daughters Sarah and Abby, Craig (Tanya) Pautz, and Brad (Michelle) Pautz; five grandchildren: Alyssa (A.J.) Pautz, Bryce (Noelle) Pautz, Luke (Hannah) Pautz, Jacob (Brooke) Shillcox, Taylor (Stan) Mrozinski; and two great-grandchildren, Grey and Knox Mrozinski. He is also survived by his siblings: Nancy Siehr, Debbie (Mike) Lallensack, Kenneth (Barb) Pautz, Dale Pautz (Mary Peters), and Dallas Pautz; brothers- and sisters-in-law: Art (Debbie) Schultz, Scott (Linda) Schultz, Karen Shimek, Maxine Schultz, and Vernetta Pautz-Zutz; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and special friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Wayne and Donald Pautz; brothers-in-law Gene Schultz and Ron Siehr; his father- and mother-in-law, Harold and Bernice Schultz; and dear friends Mike Wenzel, Al Peters, and Mike VandenAvond.

A private funeral service will be held. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 14, from 12:00–4:00 p.m. at the Reedsville Sportsman Club. A light lunch will be served. At 2:00 p.m., family and friends are invited to share memories and stories.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in Gary’s name.