Rev. Dr. Paul Maier

Rev. Dr. Paul Luther Maier, 94, was welcomed into heaven peacefully on Thursday, February 27, 2025, in Kalamazoo, MI. Dr. Maier was born on May 31, 1930, the second son of Rev. Dr. Walter A. Maier, founder of the International Luther Hour. Along with his mother, Hulda, and brother, Walter II, Paul cherished his beautiful and vibrant childhood in House Eleven at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO. This was captured in Maier's biography A Man Spoke, A World Listened.

A graduate of Harvard University (MA) and Concordia Seminary, St. Louis (M.Div.), Paul went on to receive his Ph.D. summa cum laude from the University of Basel, becoming the first American ever to do so. In 1967, he married Joan Ludtke and they attended Gamma Delta together. Maier was the Russell H. Seibert professor emeritus of ancient history at Western Michigan University for 52 years, the longest-serving professor at the time of his retirement. He also served as chaplain at Kanley Memorial Chapel on WMU's campus and ran the Lutheran Student Center. He later served as Second Vice President of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.

He was a world-renowned author and international speaker. Maier authored endless articles and books, both fiction and nonfiction, with his works selling several million copies and being translated into over twenty languages. His work includes his best-selling novels, The Flames of Rome, A Skeleton in God's Closet, and Josephus: The Essential Writings. Additionally, he wrote award winning children's books and created DVD documentaries. His final, and incredibly thrilling project was giving the green light to a major motion picture adaptation of A Skeleton in God's Closet, bringing his best-selling novel to the big screen!

Paul was a staunch, vigorous, and engaging defender of the faith, considered an expert in apologetics. He was noted for using both secular and non-secular sources to confirm the authenticity of the Bible. He led countless tours to the Holy Land and other biblical sites.

In his free time, Paul loved caring for his property, driving his bulldozer, crane, tractor, and hosting family and friends for bonfires, boat and snowmobile rides at Bonnie Castle Lake, the cherished home he shared with his wife, Joan. In later years, he delighted in golf cart adventures with his daughters and grandchildren, and spending precious time with family and dear friends poolside in Bonita Springs, Florida.

He served on the board of the Ethics committee for The Upjohn Company, and was a lifelong speaker at Camp Arcadia. Paul will be fondly remembered for his warm smile, infectious laugh, and signature handshake-always greeting others with a true "Hi sport/good buddy!"

Papa-The Man, The Myth, The Legend-will forever remain in our hearts and memories.

He is survived by four daughters, Laura (Brett) Alexander, Julie Maier, Krista (Zach) Klepchak, and Katie (Brad Toepper) Maier-Toepper; ten grandchildren: Christine, Nicole, Anna, and Drew Alexander, Rachel and Mark Lugauer, Ben, Adam, and Luke Klepchak, William Toepper; and grand dog, Apollo William. Sister-in-law, Leah Maier; nephews Rev. Walter A Maier II and Rev. David PE Maier; and great nieces and great nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Friday morning, March 14, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church, 2122 Bronson Blvd, Kalamazoo, MI 49008. Clergy are invited to robe and process. Visitation at the church beginning at 10:00 am and again following the service during a light reception. Graveside services for family at West Oshtemo Cemetery will follow at 2:00pm. Visitation Thursday, March 13th from 4:00-6:30pm also at Zion.

Preferred memorials may be made to: Dr. Paul Maier Endowment for Ancient History-Western Michigan University Foundation, Camp Arcadia, and Zion Lutheran Church.

To view Paul's personalized web page, or leave a favorite memory, please visit https://www.langelands.com.