CHARLES GAUTHIER

Charles (Chuck) Gauthier, age 93, of Black River, died Nov. 15, 2023, under the wonderful care of Touch of Country staff and Hospice of Michigan.

Son of Eva and stepson of Harry Gerard, he was born June 22, 1930, in Black River, Michigan. He married Annie Angeline Smith on Nov. 15, 1952. She preceded him in death on Aug. 28, 2003. Chuck earned an Associate’s Degree from Henry Ford Community College and retired from Ford Motor Co. in 1984 after 34 years.

He proudly served our country in the U. S. Army Signal Corps with the Army of Occupation in Saipan in the Mariana Islands and the 2nd Armored Division, Camp Hood, Texas. He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Spruce Post. He served as Commander in 1990 and ’91 and its Quartermaster from ’92 to 2018. He was a lifetime member of Cootie Pup Tent of Alpena, Alcona Historical Society, Alcona Humane Society, and Friends of Negwegon State Park. He proudly wore an American Red Cross pin for donating 12 gallons of blood. He placed grave flags upon the burial sites of veterans at Calvary Cemetery, Black River, for 30 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating as well as biking and hiking throughout the Black River area.

He is survived by their children, Carol (Mark) of Saginaw, Charlotte (Joe) of Hubbard Lake, Barbara of Annandale, Virginia, and Lyle of Black River. A son, David, passed away on Aug. 1, 2014. They were proud of their seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Also surviving are siblings: Lanny Gerard, Larry (Shirley) Gerard, Linda (Roger) Blumer. A sister, Nancy Gerard, predeceased him. Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home in Lincoln. Gravesite military honors will be planned for springtime (anytime but hunting season). In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Hospice of Michigan.