Gephart Funeral Home, Inc. & Cremation Services

01/05/2026

Sandra D. "Sandy" Hafer

Sandy passed away on Sunday, January 4, 2026 at Bickford of Midland Assisted Living at the age of 87. The daughter of the late Emil and Martha (Roth) Langel was born November 19, 1938 in Eagle Point, Wisconsin. Sandy was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church of Frankenlust and enjoyed reading, doing puzzles, fishing, watching wildlife and spending time with her grandchildren.

Sandy is survived by her four children, Mark Hafer, Jon (Candance) Hafer, Megean (Brandon) Zeilinger and Jason (Deborah) Hafer; eleven grandchildren, Nicole, Gary, Allison, Malinda, Jared, Deanna, Maura, Liam, Brayden, Sophia and Everett; nine great grandchildren; four brothers, Lawrence Langel, David (Dorothy) Langel, Arthur (Wanda) Langel and Charles Langel; one sister, Sonja Kane; brother and sister-in-law, Keith (Sue) Hafer and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Carl Hafer; step-son, Gary Hafer; granddaughter, KayCie Hafer; great grandson, William Tepatti; siblings, Elaine Phelps, Dorothy Lancour, Ruth Byers, Robert Langel, Emil Langel II, Frederick Langel and Sharon Roberge; two brothers-in-law, Dale Hafer and Lyle Hafer and her father and mother-in-law, Paul and Florence Hafer.

Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 9, 2025 at St. Paul Lutheran Church of Frankenlust with Committal following in St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will take place on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at the Gephart Funeral Home from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and on Friday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to the Saginaw Children’s Zoo.

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01/02/2026

Roger G. Clauss

Roger passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at the Willows of Bay City Assisted Living at the age of 90. He was born to the late Rufus and Esther (Timrich) Clauss on June 17, 1935 in Bay City. He was a member of St. Bartholomew Lutheran Church for many years. He retried after a long career with Gregory Construction as a carpenter. Roger was a big supporter of his grandchildren’s sporting events and you could always find him in the stands cheering them on.

Roger is survived by his daughter, Melanie (Todd) Mastic; son, Roger (Ashley) Clauss; grandchildren, Lauren Mastic (Jason McDaniel), AJ (Megan) Mastic, Alex Mastic, Paige Clauss (fiancé, Connor Mitchell) and Ella Clauss (Nate Dahlberg); brother-in-law, Henry (Brenda) Schultz and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Roger is preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Kay H. (Schultz) Clauss.

Funeral service for Roger will take place on Monday, January 5, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Bartholomew Lutheran Church with a private interment to follow at Heavenly Rest Cemetery. The family will be present to receive visitors at Gephart Funeral Home on Sunday, January 4, 2026 from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Monday at the Church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Bartholomew Lutheran Church memo: Capital campaign.

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01/02/2026

Timothy C. Witzke

It is with great sadness that the family of Timothy Charles Witzke announce his sudden passing, at age 66, on January 1, 2026, at Covenant Harrison in Saginaw, Michigan.

Tim was born in Bay City, Michigan, on November 5, 1959. He loved watching NASCAR, the Detroit Lions, the Detroit Tigers and Michigan football. He was also a connoisseur of old Westerns. He was the friendliest and most gregarious person in our family. He never met a stranger and everyone who knew him will miss his trademark greeting of a knuckle bump and the words “Power-Up!”.

Tim was preceded in death by his loving mother, Sherry Lynn Hecox (Richardson), his Step-father, Ernest Cecil Hecox, his father, Morris John Witzke and beloved nephew, Russell James Witzke.

Tim is survived by his siblings, Matthew Witzke (Renee), Linda Vanaman (Bill), Scott Witzke (Wanda), Jill Heyman, Jackie Engelhardt (Rob) and Todd Hecox (and Debbie). He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles and life-long friend, Fred Reyez.

It was Tim’s wish to be cremated and no service held. Instead, lift your drink of choice and tell your favorite “Timmy” story.

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01/01/2026

The arrival of 2026 brings with it a notable achievement: 50 years of Gephart Funeral Home under the ownership of the Luczak family, a legacy we proudly acknowledge.

12/31/2025

Judith "Judy" Ruby Rueger

Judy R. Rueger was born to Willard and Virginia Swan on August 13, 1938, in Midland, MI. She was born fifteen minutes after her twin, Jane. That she was pregnant with twins was unknown to Virginia. We don’t know which one was a surprise, and it doesn’t matter because what a great blessing those twins have been. They were the youngest of the family, behind Jeannette, Joe, and Celia.

Judy passed away at Stillwater Medical Center in Stillwater Oklahoma, after a short illness on December 29, 2025, at 10:09 a.m. She had been under the care of daughter Diane and family in their home, before moving to Westhaven Nursing Home in Stillwater in March of 2025. At Westhaven, Judy was well cared for by the staff. Judy had a sunny disposition and told all the workers that she loved them.

Early on the family resided in Coleman, MI. Coleman is where the twins went to kindergarten. When Judy and Jane were 6, the family moved to Saginaw and the twins went to Longfellow Elementary and Weber Jr. High. Judy graduated from Saginaw High School. After high school Judy and Jane were roommates while Judy worked at the Home Dairy cafeteria in Saginaw. A member of Faith Lutheran, Bridgeport, MI, Judy taught Sunday School.

Judy married Alvin Rueger on April 22, 1961, at Faith Lutheran in Bridgeport, MI. After the wedding Al and Judy drove all the way to Miami, FL for their honeymoon. They had been introduced to each other by Alvin’s cousin Herb Hammerbacher, who married Judy’s twin, Jane. Alvin and Judy lived on the top floor of Alvin’s parents’ home until they purchased the residence they spent their married life in at 11475 Wilkinson Rd. in Freeland, MI.

Judy joined St. John Lutheran, Amelith, which was Alvins home church. They worshiped together there and were members there until their deaths. To their union were born two daughters, Diane, and Valerie. Judy was the consummate homemaker, caring for Alvin, and the girls with love and dedication. Judy canned and preserved the bounty from Al’s garden. Judy and Alvin hosted many lively and joyous family gatherings at 11475 Wilkinson. They were an excellent team, admired and loved by family and many friends. They are dearly missed.

Judy traveled to be with her daughters at the births of each of the grandchildren. She was indispensable during those early days helping around the house and with the babies. Clothes were washed and folded and appeared in the drawers as if by magic. Judy and Al drove all over the country visiting relatives and their kids and grandkids. Al drove, Judy navigated.

Judy is survived by her sister Jane Bourdeau, (John), brother-in-law Jim Schnell, daughter Diane Wackler (John), Valerie Parrish (Steve), and grandchildren Jonathan Wackler, Megan Elder (Jake), Abigail Wackler, Timothy Parrish, (girlfriend Phoebe McGarrity), Joshua Parrish. Judy’s life intersected for six days with her great-granddaughter Hallie Ruth Elder born December 23, 2025. She is also survived by dearly loved nieces and nephews.

Judy was preceded in death by her husband Alvin of 63 years, her parents, sisters Celia Schnell and Jeannette Harper, and Jeannette’s husband Bob.

A Funeral Service will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at St. John Amelith Church. Officiating will be Pastor Jerry Gauthier with interment following at St. John Amelith Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, January 8, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be considered to St. John Amelith Church.

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12/27/2025

Joel D. Gougeon

Joel D. Gougeon, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, veteran, and public servant, passed away peacefully on December 21, 2025, at Covenant Cooper Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. Born on January 13, 1943, in Lansing, Michigan, Joel lived a life defined by service, integrity, curiosity, and deep devotion to family and community.

Joel was the son of Meade and Elizabeth “Betty” (DeLong) Gougeon. After graduating from T.L. Handy High School, he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from General Motors Institute in 1966. He went on to serve honorably in the United States Air Force as an F-4 Phantom pilot. Following the completion of 198 missions in Vietnam, Joel returned home and, alongside his brothers Meade and Jan, co-founded Gougeon Brothers, Inc. in Bay City in 1969.

Deeply committed to public service, Joel later entered local politics and went on to serve as a Michigan State Senator, participating on numerous committees. Among his most meaningful accomplishments was his leadership in rewriting the Mental Health Code to help reduce stigma and expand support for mental health research. He was also deeply proud of directing funding to benefit health clinics, women’s shelters, cancer centers, a skateboard park, and local colleges and universities.

After retiring from the Senate, Joel founded his own consulting company and continued to work tirelessly in support of local hospitals, colleges, universities, and many community organizations, leaving a lasting and meaningful impact wherever he served.

Joel embraced life with enthusiasm and curiosity. He was an avid ice boater, sailor, powerboater, and antique car enthusiast. He especially cherished road trips with his family, creating memories filled with laughter and adventure. A voracious reader, Joel found joy in learning and storytelling and generously shared his knowledge and insights with those around him.

Joel is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Kaye (McGinty) Gougeon; his beloved daughter, Amy Gougeon; and his treasured grandchildren, Joshua Koch, Andrew Koch, and Rebecca Koch. He is also fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews who held him dear.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Meade and Elizabeth (DeLong) Gougeon; his brothers, Meade Gougeon and Jan Gougeon; his sister, Pamela (Gougeon) Thomas; and his sister-in-law, Janet Gougeon.

Joel’s family remembers him as a guiding light whose kindness, wisdom, and unwavering dedication enriched their lives and the lives of many others. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him. The family is planning a memorial celebration to be held in the spring.

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12/25/2025

Dolores Guettler

Dolores (Schmidt) Guettler, 93, of Bay City, went home to heaven to be with Jesus and her husband John. She passed away while surrounded by family at the annual Christmas Eve gathering.

Dolores was born on March 5, 1932, to the late Arthur and Laura Schmidt in Bay City, Michigan, where she lived all her life. She attended St. Paul’s Lutheran School and Central High School.

She married John Guettler on May 23, 1953, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bay City. God blessed them with 72 years of marriage before John’s passing this past August. They enjoyed many happy years socializing with family and friends. They enjoyed playing cards and attended polka dances.

Dolores enjoyed volunteering at church by helping with meals and tending the gardens around the church. She spent many hours in her garden raising fruits and vegetables, then canning and freezing all of the produce. What she didn’t need went to neighbors and friends.

Her greatest hobby was knitting mittens, over 200 pairs a year. You would often find her sitting in her chair knitting and taking short snoozes. She would sell some of them at Johnson’s Pumpkin Farm every fall, but most were given away as gifts or donated to worthy causes. She also enjoyed visiting the thrift shops in the area and finding many treasures. She was still driving her big Cadillac around town because she had places to go.

For many years she worked alongside her husband John at their business, Commercial Kitchen Service. Together they developed a prosperous business, allowing them to support many worthwhile causes.

Dolores is survived by four children, 8 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren: Lynne Koch(Bill) and her children, Christopher and Jana Irving; Gary (Brenda) Guettler, their daughter Kaylyn (Derek) Dimaya, and their daughters, Layla and Chloe; Carol (Brad) Histed, their sons, Ryan (Jodi) Histed, and their sons, Emmett and Ryder; Craig (Nicole) Histed, and their daughters, Madalyn and Lakyn; Tony (Angie) Histed; and, Brian (Shannon) Guettler and their children, Danielle (John) Piechowiak and Adam Guettler (Kellee Sears). She is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Caroline Traxler and Lorna (Richard) Dietlein. She is predeceased by her husband, John; her parents, Arthur and Laura Schmidt; her siblings and their spouses, Ira and Annie Schmidt and Shirley and Leslie Gray; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Robert and Caroline Guettler; her brothers-in-law and their wives, Robert (Edith Gorm) Guettler, Donald (Lillian) Guettler, and Maynard (Marianne) Guettler; an infant sister-in-law, Mary Ann Guettler; and her brother-in-law, Kenneth Traxler.

The funeral service will be held on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. at Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church, 1010 33rd St., Bay City. Visitation will precede the funeral at the church beginning at 2:00 p.m. A private interment will take place at Floral Gardens Cemetery, 2215 Cass Ave., Bay Ctiy.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Trinity Lutheran Church or Charity. (The charitable organizations will be chosen by the family at a later date.)

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12/25/2025

🌟🎁 From our caring team to your precious family, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

May this season bring you warmth, rest, and meaningful time with the ones you love most. 🤍

12/24/2025

Nancy E. Persinger

Nancy passed away late Monday evening December 22, 2025 at Covenant Health Care-Cooper in Saginaw, at the age of 82. The daughter of the late William and Erna (Vogel) Ruhlig was born on August 10, 1943 in Bay City.

Nancy was a member of Zion Lutheran Church for many years. She was a proud member of Alpha Delta Kappa (ADK) International Honorary Sorority for Women Educators and a graduate of MSU, where she began a lifelong commitment to learning and service. Throughout her life, she found joy in the simple pleasures, tending to her garden, surrounding herself with flowers, enjoying the outdoors, and spending quiet moments sitting on the back patio.

She is survived by her husband, David Persinger, whom she married on June 4, 1977; one brother, Roger (Suzanne) Ruhlig; favorite niece, Lisa Marie (Tony) Nugyen; favorite nephew, Michael Ruhlig and brother-in-law, Richard (Jan) Persinger. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her father and mother-in-law, Charles and Elizabeth Persinger.

Funeral service for Nancy will take place privately at Zion Lutheran Church. Officiating will be Pastor Philip Baerwolf with private interment to follow at Elm Lawn Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy will consider donations to your favorite charity.

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12/22/2025

🎄 During the holidays, we light candles not just for tradition, but for the loved ones we carry in our hearts. May every warm glow be a reminder of the moments, memories, and love that never fade.

Share this post with your friends and family to honor your loved one’s memory. ❤️