Brother Weldon Petz

Dr. Weldon Petz. Weldon died April 28, 2011, in Farmington Hills, MI, after an extended illness. He is survived by his wife, Shirley, two children and four grandchildren. He was a member of the SUVCW by virtue of an uncle who was in the 5th NY Art. Band.  The musical gene was passed down to Weldon who served in the 8th USAAC Special Services Band during WW II, then as a musician in the Jimmy Dorsey Band. He recorded with such notables as Ella Fitzgerald and Glen Miller. 

Although a teacher and school principal  in Farmington and Detroit, he as best known as an eminent Lincoln scholar, collector of Lincolnia, writer and lecturer. His enthusiastic stories about touring Michigan and collecting pictures and histories of Lincoln-related sites and monuments fascinated all who heard him speak. His efforts were put into book form in “Seeking Lincoln in Michigan” and “Michigan Remembers Lincoln”. He donated his extensive collection of Lincoln memorabilia to the Plymouth Historical Museum prior to his death.

Brother Petz was a Life Member of Sgt. John S. Cosbey Camp No. 427, having transferred there after US Grant Camp No. 101 disbanded. He was also an Honorary Companion of MOLLUS.   Interment took place May 3 in the Franklin (MI) Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association or Franklin Community Church, 26425 Wellington, Franklin, MI 48025