Warren Lee Vietzke

When they went anywhere, Warren Vietzke’s children could count on him to make a friend. He would be standing in line somewhere next to someone, strike up a conversation and in no time have a best friend, they said.

Warren Lee Vietzke died peacefully on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018 surrounded by family. He was hours away from his 92nd birthday.

His children described their father as supportive, energetic and devoted to his family. He would do anything for anyone. He adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought him joy up to the end of his life.

Warren was born in Lansing on Oct. 31, 1926 to August and Lydia Vietzke. He attended Okemos High School, where he played the cornet and ran track.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1945, shortly after World War II. He served for a year and a half and went on to work at General Motors for over 30 years.

He was a lifelong and active member of Chapel Hill United Methodist and Okemos Community Churches.

At a sock dance in Lansing, Warren met Millie Musolf, to whom he would be happily married for 60 years. She preceded him in death by six years after a long battle with cancer.

Warren was a talented carver who loved to spend time at his work bench crafting pieces for his family and friends. He was a member of several carving clubs in the Lansing area.

Warren was an active person who walked daily and had many interests. He enjoyed traveling, the performing arts, all kinds of music and playing card games with friends and family.

Warren is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Lynn and Rose Vietzke of Bath, Michigan, and Les and Mary Vietzke of Ada, Michigan; two daughters and sons-in-law, Laurel and Craig Cheyne of The Woodlands, Texas, and Leanne and Peter Vigliano of Montclair, Virginia; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Dwight and Marguerite Vietzke of Lexington, South Carolina, and Mark and Audrey Vietzke of Sun City Center, Florida; eleven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, whom he adored; and many beloved friends.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Jan. 19, 2019 at 11 a.m. at Okemos Community Church, 4734 Okemos Rd., Okemos, MI. Visitation before service at 10 a.m.

Donations can be made in Warren’s name to Great Lakes Hospice Foundation at 900 Cooper Street in Jackson, Michigan; Okemos Community Church at P.O. Box 680, Okemos, MI 48805; or any charity.

The family is grateful for the loving care provided by The Marquette, Great Lakes Caring Hospice and BrightStar Care.