Longtime Wayland Union Schools teacher, coach and administrator Robert Marutz died Monday. He was 90.
Marutz came to Wayland from Caledonia in 1962 to teach science and biology at the high school and coach football, basketball and baseball. He also was one of the driver’s training instructors. Several years later he was named athletic director, and he was selected as junior high principal in the late 1960s, serving for 25 years.
Born Jan. 4, 1930, Bob grew up in Caledonia and graduated from WMU and MSU and served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict. He taught high school and coached varsity sports at Webberville, Fowler and Wayland.
In retirement, he and Nancy enjoyed many years of travel and spending winters in Texas with daughter, Pam, son-in-law, Scott, and grandchildren. Though he retired after many years in education, he remained in the community, living most of his years at a house on Sycamore Street, across the street from what is now Pine Street Elementary. He and his late wife, Nancy, raised children Lynn and Pam, both Wayland High School graduates.
He is survived by his children Pam (Scott) Doublestein and Lynn Marutz; grandchildren Stacey (Einar) Phillips, Philip (Katie) Doublestein; great-grandchildren Paige, Micah, Ollie and Finn Phillips, and Wyatt and Gus Doublestein.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Nancy; and sister, Eunice Milliman.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, October 15, 2020 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 8436 Kraft Ave. SE, Caledonia. The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 16, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, with visitation from 10 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the service. Rev Dr. Timothy Brand officiating.
In lieu of flowers and in memory of Robert, contributions may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church Bell Restoration Fund.
The man who had the faith in me so many years ago and hired me to teach. Forever grateful to Bob.