Douglas M. Gauthier

1960 ~ 2024

Grawn and Maple City - Douglas Michael Gauthier, 63, a kind, fun, hardworking and loving man, passed away suddenly on March 22, 2024 with his beloved wife holding his hand at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. He woke up on Thursday morning feeling very ill and it was later determined that he had developed a very rare case of Invasive Group A Strep. Kathy had rushed him to Munson Medical Center’s ER in the morning and he was then transferred to Henry Ford Hospital where she learned he had less than 24 hours to live despite great efforts by his doctors.

Doug was born on December 28, 1960 in Traverse City to Robert and Betty (Fosnight) Gauthier.

After graduating from high school in 1979, Doug got right to work literally the next day at Chef Pierre now known as Sara Lee. Over the last 45 years, he has faithfully worked as a dough mixer, dough baller and on the line making fruit pies. He developed many friendships while at work and he truly loved his career.

At a family wedding in September of 1988, Doug recognized Kathy Lanham in her beautiful blue bridesmaid dress. The two had known each other for several years, but on that night sparks flew. Doug asked for her number and they had their first date on October 1, 1988 at another family wedding. On Valentines Day in 1989, he proposed with a heart-shaped diamond. They were then married on September 23, 1989 at Glen Lake Community Reformed Church with over 450 family and friends there to celebrate their love.

Doug and Kathy were devoted members at Northern Lakes Community Church where they made many lifelong friends. He could often be found shoveling snow in the winter at the front entry and enjoyed greeting people at the front door every Sunday morning with a smile and a hand shake. Doug was a deacon for several years and happy to help his church family in any way.

Doug could fix anything with a small engine. He loved tuning up lawnmowers and snowblowers which helped him earn the nickname “Grease Monkey”. Doug and Kathy were also known as the Dancing Bears. They loved to polka, slow dance and two step and were often found on the dance floor at St. Rita’s, Old Settlers Picnic, the Hayloft and at many family weddings. They also loved to go to the Top of the Park to listen to Jim Hawley. Doug loved the four seasons - baseball, basketball, hockey and football. How ‘bout them Lions! Go Tigers! He also loved family dinners at the farm especially dessert. He will be greatly missed by all of his family, especially his great nieces Maxine and Molly who Kathy helps care for, and friends.

Doug was preceded in death by his father Robert; in-laws John and Nancy Lanham; sister Beatrice Gauthier and brother David Gauthier.

Doug is survived by his sweetheart of nearly 35 years, Kathy; mom Betty; siblings Helen ( Jim) Eisner; Barb ( Jim) Gauthier-Warinner; Dale (Joanie) Gauthier, Dennis (Deb) Gauthier, and his twin sister Doris “Sis” (Willie) Hanson; sister-in-law Peg (Dan) Jonkhoff; brothersin- law Randy Lanham and Tom (Pam) Lanham; many nieces, nephews, cousins, great nieces and great nephews; long time neighbors Scott (Mindy) Rosenberg and countless friends.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 from 4 pm to 7 pm at Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home.

The funeral service will be held at Northern Lakes Community Church on Herkner Road on Thursday, April 4, 2024 at 12 noon with visitation beginning one hour prior. Graveside services will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery. All are invited back to the church for a luncheon and to share their favorite “Dougie Bear” memories.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Northern Lakes Community Church. Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your memories with his family.