Paul C. Sturgis Jr.

Paul C Sturgis, Jr, age 87, beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend died surrounded by family on January 3, 2025, at the Henry Ford Hospital in Clinton Township, Michigan. This followed an extended stay at the MediLodge of Shoreline nursing home in Sterling Heights, Michigan. Paul was born on November 13, 1937, the son of Paul C Sturgis Sr and Olive (Hahn) Sturgis in Wolcottville, Lagrange County, Indiana. Paul grew up with his parents and brother (William Sturgis) surrounded by a large extended Sturgis/Hahn family in northeastern Indiana where the Sturgis family has lived since the 1830s as descendants of the original “Hoosier” settlers in that part of Indiana. Paul spent his youth immersed in many athletic pursuits including his passion for basketball and water sports in the Lagrange County Lake surroundings. He also loved singing and drama clubs at Wolcottville schools. After high school graduation and following working at Flint & Walling in Kendallville, Indiana he was drafted for a two-year stint in the US Army. After basic training, he was relocated to the Redstone Arsenal Army base in Huntsville, Alabama. There he found himself at a Big Boy’s drive in restaurant and discovered his future wife Shirley (McCluggage) Sturgis. After a whirlwind courtship, the two were married June 15, 1962. Shortly thereafter, Paul was transferred to a US Army base in Germany where he discovered the excitement of exploring a foreign country and its culture for the first time. He never stopped talking about Germany, it’s beauty and food. Returning from Germany and honorable discharge from the Army, Paul, Shirley and their newborn son (Mark) relocated back to northeastern Indiana for employment. Ultimately, they found themselves in Fort Wayne, Indiana where their daughter (Michelle Sturgis Mosier) was born. Paul grew a career as an executive in advertising and marketing positions in Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan. Ultimately, Paul and Shirley settled in 1988 in southeast Michigan where they have lived since. Throughout this time, they were able to enjoy their five grandchildren who lived near and far. Paul was best described as a social butterfly. An avid conversationalist and card player both with family and friends, Paul frequently played cards with new friends at the nursing home into the early hours of the morning. Paul leaves behind a loving wife (Shirley Sturgis), son/daughter in law (Mark Sturgis & Mary Lawler- Oro Valley AZ), daughter/son in law (Michelle & John Mosier-Oxford MI), five grandchildren Cameron Hubbard & fiancé Eun Hye (Grace) Lim, Benjamin Hubbard, Olivia Hubbard, Luke Sturgis and Emma Sturgis as well as numerous nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother. Arrangements in care of Jowett Funeral Home-New Haven.

Paul C. Sturgis Jr.

November 13, 1937 - January 3, 2025