Paul Laethem

Paul Laethem of Gladwin, formerly of Fairgrove and St. Louis, Michigan, age 86, passed away on Wednesday, October 3, 2018 at the Gladwin Pines Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Gladwin, following a lengthy illness. Paul was born July 13, 1932 in Detroit, the son of the late Richard and Erma (Rutledge) Laethem. He was united in marriage with the former Shirley Roth on August 1, 1953 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Caro. Following his marriage, he served with the U.S. Army from 1954-1956 stationed in Germany. Paul was co-owner and operator of Laethem Equipment in Fairgrove, Caro and St. Louis until his retirement when he moved to Gladwin. He was a member of St. Christopher Parish, Sacred Heart Church, the Knights of Columbus for fifty-three years, Caro Moose Lodge, the Elks in Bay City and Alma, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Lodge #4121 in Secord Lake. Paul enjoyed golf, boating, traveling, wintering in Florida, and most importantly, spending time with his grandchildren. Paul is survived by his loving wife of sixty-five years, Shirley; five children, Richard Laethem of Caro, Thomas Laethem of Caro, Paula & Randy Vandemark of Lapeer, Susan & Glenn Vink of Clarkston, Kevin & Teresa Laethem of St. Louis; grandchildren, Christopher & Christine Laethem, Christina & Jason McLachlan, Alisha & Chad Gross, Bethany Betts, Gevin & Sarah Vandemark, Trisha & Michael Thompson, Ryan Vink, Chelsea Vink, Brandon Laethem, Allison & David Bell, Jessica Laethem; four great-grandchildren; two sisters, Louise Dunn, Rita & Jerry Fortin; several nieces and nephews; and his special cat, Lacey. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Francis Laethem; and one brother-in-law, Charles Dunn. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 6, 2018 at St. Christopher Parish, Sacred Heart Church, with Rev. Jerzy Dobosz officiating. Burial will follow at Brookside Cemetery in Fairgrove. The family will be present to receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro on Friday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to the Caro Knights of Columbus Building Fund. Visitation Information Date: Friday, October 5, 2018 Time: 4:00 pm End Time: 8:00 pm Ransford Collon Funeral Home Address: 989-673-2175 | Map The family will be present to receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro on Friday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Service Information Date: Saturday, October 6, 2018 Time: 11:00 am St. Christopher Parish, Sacred Heart Church site Address: 140 Atwood St. Caro, MI 48723 Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 6, 2018 at St. Christopher Parish, Sacred Heart Church, with Rev. Jerzy Dobosz officiating. Cemetery Information Date: Saturday, October 6, 2018 Brookside Cemetery Address: 1691 N. Hinson Rd. Fairgrove, MI 48733 Burial will follow at Brookside Cemetery in Fairgrove.