Lynn Ann (Niemann) Rivard

Lynn Ann Rivard (Niemann) Linwood, Michigan Our loving and generous wife, mother, nana and sister passed away at her residence Sunday morning March 6, 2016. Age 61 years. The daughter of the late Claude and Thelma (MacDonald) Niemann was born February 6, 1955 in Bay City, Michigan and has resided in this area all of her life. She was a member of Prince of Peace Parish - St. Anne's Church in Linwood, the Bay County Republican Party and was employed with the State of Michigan - DEQ as a managerial assistant for many years. Lynn enjoyed crafting, baking and motorcycle rides with Mike. Most of all Lynn cherished the time she spent with her grandchildren and her family. She will be remembered by her family and friends for her generosity, love and kindness and will be sadly missed by all. On October 9, 2004 she married her loving husband Michael G. Rivard and he is left behind to cherish her memories along with two daughters and one son-in-law; Amy and Ozcan Kulac of North Carolina and Abbie Obermiller of Bay City, three grandchildren whom she loved dearly; Cameryn, Izekyel and Nazim. She is also survived by her brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law and sister-in-law; Richard and Lois Niemann, Thomas Niemann, Edward Simstad, Donald Sautter, Joanne and Richard Steinhoff and Janet Wackerle, her mother-in-law and father-in-law; Marie and Roger Roberts, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; Arthur and Suzette Rivard, Jeanie and Bill Barcia, Patti and Larry Wiley, Dave and Danielle Rivard and Denise and Brad Wilson, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Besides her parents Claude and Thelma, she was preceded in death by one sister-in-law; Shari Niemann, two sisters; Claudia "Kay" Simstad and Mary Sautter, one brother-in-law; Gary Wackerle and Mike's father; James Rivard. The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated Thursday March 10, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Prince of Peace Parish - St. Anne Church 315 W. Center Road Linwood, MI 48634. Celebrant will be Rev. Fr. Christopher M. Coman with the Rite of Committal following in St. Anne Catholic Cemetery. The family will be present at the Gephart Funeral Home, Inc. to receive visitors on Tuesday from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. and on Wednesday from 12:00 O'clock noon to 9:00 p.m. The Vigil for the Deceased will take place Wednesday evening at 7:00 p.m. Lynn will be taken to the church on Thursday to lie in state from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the mass. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider a memorial to the "Wishes of the Family" for a memorial to be established at a later time in her memory.