Paul Albert Wardin, DVM

He is survived by his wife Heidi; children Grace Wardin of Lansing, Michigan and Gabriel Wardin (Gabriella Perez) of St. Paul, Minnesota; mother Sara Wardin; sisters Sue (David) Patton of Iron Mountain, MI, Betsy (Jay) Savage of Chesaning, MI, and Melissa (Thomas) Sebold of Traverse City, MI, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who meant the world to him. Paul is preceded in death by his father Albert Paul Wardin.

Paul was born on January 24, 1967 in Saginaw, Michigan to Albert “Paul” Wardin and Sara (Thomas) Wardin. He was a man of faith and family with a great sense of humor, who was blessed to grow up on a dairy farm in Hemlock, MI surrounded by family. He attended St. Peter Lutheran School in Hemlock (K-8) and Valley Lutheran High School in Saginaw. His love for cows and all animals led him to Michigan State University where, while working towards a bachelor's degree in Animal Science, he met the love of his life, Heidi Allen, and they were married in Lansing on October 17, 1992. Paul went on to receive a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1993 – a dream fulfilled. He began work right away at Waupun Veterinary Service in Wisconsin, soon becoming a partner. He worked there for 21 years as a dairy veterinarian, eventually specializing in embryo transfer. Paul and Heidi had two children born in Waupun – Gracie (1993) and Gabe (1996), who filled his heart with pride. In 2014, the family moved back to Michigan where Paul worked for GGS Genetics in Dewitt, then began his own business, Great Lakes Embryo Transfer, in 2018, which he ran until September 2022 when his medical condition of glioblastoma guided him into an early retirement. He also worked part-time for Clinton Veterinary Service in St. Johns until the onset of his illness. Paul enjoyed his years working with outstanding partners/co-workers and always held close to his heart the clients he visited throughout Wisconsin and Michigan, along with the many students he mentored.

Besides the love he had for his wife and children, he spoke frequently and fondly of his experiences and activities growing up: the mother and sisters that he loved dearly; his father, uncles, and cousins who helped develop his hard work ethic on the farm; playing league baseball, high school soccer and golf, and building wonderful memories with family and friends at St. Peter Lutheran Church and School in Hemlock. Some of his favorite activities were golfing, hunting, Canada fishing trips, family vacations to the Outer Banks, Traverse City visits, landscaping/planting trees, coaching Gabe’s little league baseball teams, Spartan sports, and regular walks with Heidi in their neighborhood.

Visitation will take place on Tuesday, January 17th from 4-7pm at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home at 1730 East Grand River Avenue, East Lansing, MI 48823 with a memorial service on Wednesday, January 18th at 11:00 am at St. Luke Lutheran Church at 5589 Van Atta Rd, Haslett, MI 48840. People can also visit with the family before the service beginning at 10:00 am. A light luncheon will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital – www.stjude.org or to St. Luke Lutheran Church – www.knowingjesus.org/give (Paul Wardin Memorial), both special to Paul.