Gerhard Paetzel
With heavy hearts, we say goodbye to a great husband and father, Gerhard Paetzel.
Gerhard was born in 1936 in Graumen, Plicken, East Prussia, and lived on his family’s farm until the war and after fleeing his family settled in Effeltrich, Bavaria. He finished school and completed his apprenticeship as a radio and TV technician there.
However, Gerhard very much wanted to see the world, so with his technical and communication skills, he became the radio officer and purser of various ships in the German Merchant Marine, where he was able to travel the world for many years.
He met Hilda at this time and felt he wanted to settle back down. So, with his technical skills and now his language skills, he began his employment with Siemens, headquartered in his hometown. This is how he came to the United States with Hilda, his new wife, in 1966.
Gerhard retired from Siemens in 1995, where his love for the sea was rekindled, and sailed with friends all over the world—but always keeping in contact through his life-long hobby, ham radio, with friends and family (KR8R, DL8XG).
Music also played a large role in Gerhard’s life, especially in retirement, when he honed his accordion skills. His music became well-known and asked for in the Cleveland German community.
After a short illness, Gerhard passed away on Sept. 2, 2025.
He is survived by his wife, Hilda Paetzel; and daughters, Sonja (Ray Deptola) Paetzel and Martina (Bob Morton) Paetzel.
A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.
Donations may be sent to the Ashtabula APL (www.acapl.org) in lieu of flowers.
This obituary was lovingly provided by the family.
Arrangements are entrusted to Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Online condolences and shared memories may be left at www.burrservice.com.
