Michael Wartha

Michael Anthony Wartha, a husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away March 22, 2025, at the age of 75. A memorial service will be April 11, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at Grace Gardens Funeral Home.

Michael was a very intelligent, composed man, with a very dry sense of humor. It was hard to get to know the real Mike because of his quiet nature. Once you made his circle of friends, you were there for life. Michael’s priority was always his family and his pets. He was so proud of his children and grandchildren. One thing people may not have known about Mike, was his soft heart for rescued pets. He had a heart the size of Texas when it came to rescued pets. He always wanted two pets at a time so they would never be lonely. If gone unchecked, Michael may have rescued half the pets in Texas.

Michael was born in Michigan City, Indiana, on September 12, 1949, to Arthur Wartha and Mary Helen Duke Wartha. After graduating from St Mary’s Catholic School in Michigan City, Indiana, Michael joined the U.S. Air Force. His service included being stationed in Thailand during the Vietnam War. He then was stationed at Strategic Air Command (SAC) at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska until 1979. Michael was proud to be part of the flight crew for the modified EC-135 Looking Glass Aircraft which were airborne 24 hours a day. After 10 years of dedicated service in the Air Force, Michael’s love and devotion to his family led him to accept a position with L3 in Richardson, Texas. His love and respect for the U.S. Airforce was unwavering.

Michael married Kathy Waites in February of 1979 at St Elizabeth’s Catholic Church in Plano, Texas. For Michael, being a Dad to his children and a “Grumpy” to his grandchildren was his greatest pleasure. Mike’s life was a life well lived; from making doll houses, riding in go carts and boat rides at the lake with his family. His grandsons could make him smile when nothing else could. Michael is survived by his loving wife, Kathy; his darling daughter, Patty and Harold Neiper (his favorite son-in-law), his extraordinary grandsons Ian and Colby Neiper; his adorable son, Eddie and favorite daughter-in-law Nancy Wartha. He was preceded in death by his beloved son Scott, whose memory he carried with him every day. He was also preceded in death by his parents, his brother Jerry Wartha and his sister, MaryJo Lubs.

For those who knew Michael, small talk was not his strong suit. He was, however, an accomplished engineer/program manager at L3, where he worked for 35 years. Michael’s exceptional career at L3 in Waco, Texas included the US Air Force Program, Pacer Link and the NASA Program, SOFIA. Michael served his country with integrity and honor even when he was in the private sector. His family will forever be proud of him for his service.

Michael, aka Grumpy to those closest to him, was respected and dearly loved by all. He will be missed. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Tunnel to Towers in support of our homeless veterans, Meadowbrook Baptist Church, Robinson, Texas or any favorite pet rescue.