Peter Jay Fluetsch

It is with deep and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Peter Jay Fluetsch, who left this world to be with Our Heavenly Father, on September 11, 2014, surrounded by his loving wife and five children. Peter was born on November 17, 1934 at Mercy Hospital in Merced. He was preceded in death by his mother, Helen Kathryn Shaffer Fluetsch; his father, John Jay Fluetsch; and brother, Michael Andrew Fluetsch.

In 1912 Peter’s maternal grandfather, Hal Shaffer judge of Merced County and Peter’s father, John Jay Fluetsch founded Shaffer Insurance. Upon the death of Judge Shaffer in 1934, the insurance agency became Fluetsch Insurance. In 1949 Ralph Busby joined the agency and it became known as Fluetsch and Busby Insurance. Peter the third generation joined his father and grandfather’s business in 1955 after graduating from Menlo College.

Peter served in the National Guard at Ford Ord in 1956 and married the love of his life, Mary Catherine Baccarini in 1957. Peter was very active in the Merced Community. He served as President in many local organizations: The American Cancer Society, Merced Chamber of Commerce, Independent Insurance Association, Merced Boosters, United Way, and Greater Merced Kiwanis, where he also held the position of Lt. Governor. Peter was a founding member of Merced Bank of Commerce and later on the board of directors for Vallicorp Bank.

For 45 years Peter was known as Merced’s beloved Santa. He was sponsored by the Elks Club and the Committee of Fifteen. He visited all city schools, the Shelby Center, as well as the schools for the hearing impaired.

In the later 1980s Peter became General Chairman of the building fund for St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, which was dedicated in 1995.

Peter was a life-long Scout. In 1949 he received his Eagle Scout. He attended many jamborees and he and his brother Foster traveled to Austria for a world jamboree. In his earlier years he was Scout Master for the Elks Chapter 1240. He received many accolades throughout his scouting career including the Silver Beaver and the Silver Antelope. Peter was President of the Yosemite Area Council where he most recently was presented the Outstanding Eagle Scout award from the National Eagle Scout Association.

He was currently involved in S.C.O.R.E. where he mentored many individuals towards business careers.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary Catherine; their five children, Kathleen Moore (Cliff), Father John Fluetsch, Christine Frey (Brett), Jeannie Bliss (Michael), and Douglas Fluetsch (Kelli); grandchildren, Trevor and Shannon Moore, Emma Frey, Michael Raymond, Katie, and Peter Bliss, Josh and Spencer Fluetsch. He is also survived by brothers, Foster Fluetsch and Christopher Fluetsch; and sister, Heidi Brusca.

A visitation will be held on Monday, September 16, 2014 from 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. with a rosary following at 6:30 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 617 East Yosemite Avenue, Merced, CA. The Funeral Mass will be Tuesday, September 17, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. A reception will follow at St. Patrick’s Parish Hall. A private burial will be held near Twain Harte, California where Peter and Catherine have had a family cabin for 44 years.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Boy Scouts of America, P.O. Box 780 Merced, CA 95341, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 617 East Yosemite Avenue Merced, CA 95340, All Saints Church, P.O. Box 642 Twain Harte, CA 95383-0642 or Catholic Charities, 336 West Main Street #1 Merced, CA 95340.

Arrangements under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, Merced, CA.