Walter Hubert Maze

Our beloved father and grandfather passed away peacefully on Friday, January 12, 2024, at the age of 98.

Walt was born on May 7, 1925 to the late Joseph and Agnes (Kubczak) Mazurowski in Bay City. He graduated from Bay City Central High School and was drafted into the United States Army at age 18, where he proudly served as a radio operator in Europe during World War II. On September 18, 1948, Walt married his neighborhood sweetheart Marjorie Taylor with whom he spent 60 loving years and raised six children. He owned and operated Maze's Texaco on Madison Avenue in Bay City for over 30 years, was a switchman on the Grand Trunk and Penn Central railroads for 41 years, worked at Sempliner’s Bridal Salon in downtown Bay City for 10 years, and owned several rental properties.

Walt loved cooking a delicious “grand slam” meal for his family to share, making cozy fires at home, singing or dancing to a good polka song, watching a ball game or shouting out answers to Wheel of Fortune on tv, chatting with friends and neighbors, and telling amazing stories that were captivating even if you’d heard them countless times before. During his retirement years, Walt always found ways to stay active and connected with others by going on walks at the Bay County Fairgrounds, doing home improvement projects, playing horseshoes in the backyard, and riding rollercoasters at Cedar Point. He was a longtime member of All Saints (Saint James) parish.

Walt was blessed with six children, five of whom survive to cherish his memory: James (Linda) Maze of Essexville, Carol (Robert) Nelson of East Lansing, Brian Maze of Bay City, Scott (Laura) Maze of Bay City, and Marianne (Patrick) Thelen of Bay City. He will also be greatly missed by his nine grandchildren: Bill (Kathy) and Brent (Stacy) Maze, Nick (Dr. Colleen) and Helana Nelson, Angela (Shawn) Gilson, Lindsay (Dr. Joseph) Vanfleteren, Thomas Thelen, Ryan and Kyle Maze; sixteen great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Julia Mazurowski; and special friend Barbara Story. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Marjorie, son, Randall Maze; and five siblings: Evelyn, Edward, Donald, Romaine, and Eugene.

A private funeral service and interment will take place at Saint Patrick’s Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Walt’s memory to All Saints Parish or Brian's House. The Maze family wishes to extend its sincere gratitude to the staff of the Bay County Medical Care Facility and Brian’s House for their compassionate care of Walt.