Thomas Deetz

Thomas Deetz , 80, of New Haven, Indiana, passed away on Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at his residence.

He was born May 22, 1942, in Hudson, Indiana, the son of the late Willis Deetz and the late Inez (Shultz) Deetz . Tom was united in marriage to Shirley Marschand on July 24, 1965, in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Tom was a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church in New Haven, Indiana. He was a Sergeant in the U.S. Army from 1967 until he was honorably discharged in 1969. He served in the 890th transportation company of the 5th Army.

He was one of the first hired at B.F. Goodrich in Woodburn, Indiana where he worked for the next 35 years. Upon retiring, Tom worked at the New Haven Parks Department as the Maintenance Director for 11 years. When he retired, they honored him by naming a nature preserve after him.

Tom loved watching Purdue sports, especially football. An avid woodworker, he often made helpful gifts for friends and family. He also enjoyed the many trips he and Shirley took with their Purdue group. Tom was deeply devoted to his family and his faith. He loved serving the church and doing mission work in Kenya.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley Deetz of New Haven, Indiana; daughter, Becky Leslie of Indianapolis, Indiana; son, Tim Deetz of Clermont, Florida; sister, Peggy Springer of Auburn, Indiana; four grandchildren, Madaline (Ramiro) Alvarez, Abigail (Tanner) Tipton, Thomas Leslie, and Audrey Deetz; and many nieces and nephews.

Tom was preceded in death by his siblings, Sue Striggle, Nancy Gordon, Robert and Larry Deetz.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, February 3, 2023, at Emanuel Lutheran Church, 800 Green Street, New Haven, Indiana with Pastor David Stecker officiating. Interment will follow in the Emanuel Lutheran Cemetery in New Haven, Indiana.

Friends and Family will be received from 2-5 and 6-8 p.m., Thursday, February 2, 2023, at Emanuel Lutheran Church, 800 Green Street, New Haven, Indiana and one hour prior to the service on Friday at the church.

Preferred memorials can be made to Emanuel Lutheran Church’s Kenya Home Economics Program.

Arrangements by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur, Indiana