BAY CITY, MI – A veteran Great Lakes captain will share stories from his nearly three-decade career on the water during a free presentation this Saturday in Bay City.

Jeff Letzkus, who retired in April 2025 after 28 years as a merchant mariner, will present “Driving on the Great Lakes: Stories of a Local Captain” at Trinity Episcopal Church. The event, hosted by the Saginaw River Marine Historical Society, begins at 6:30 p.m. on September 20.

Letzkus spent 12 years as a captain and worked aboard numerous Great Lakes vessels including the Alpena, JAW Iglehart, Paul H. Townsend, Maumee, Calumet, and Manitowoc. He also served six years as a pilot on saltwater vessels.

The maritime career runs in Letzkus’ family. His parents were members of the Saginaw River Marine Historical Society, and h

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