Donna Jean Auger

Donna Jean Auger passed away, suddenly, on September 24, 2020. Donna Jean was born on April 1, 1948, in Big Rapids, to the late Nels and Donna Rae Nelson. She graduated from T.L. Handy High School in 1966 and attended Owosso College (now Baker College). Donna Jean began working for COPOCO Credit Union as a co-op student in high school. She continued there until her retirement on August 30, 2004, having 39 years of dedicated service to her community. She was raised in the Free Methodist Church in Stanwood and Bay City where she played organ and piano.  She married, the love of her life, David Auger on February 19, 1972 at the Bay City Free Methodist Church. Three years later, she was blessed with her only child, John. Donna Jean led a life of selfless service to God, family, church, and community.  She always had a kind word for everyone she knew and no one was a stranger. She was "Ma" to all of her son's friends, and many others. She was involved in many church groups in her lifetime both at the Lighthouse Free Methodist Church and First Presbyterian Church. She enjoyed spending time with her Model A Ford groups as well. Donna Jean loved going, up north, to her cabin and spending time with her family. She spent her leisure time crocheting for her family and friends. She made blankets, kitchen towels, hats, and scarves for her grandchildren and for her church group. Donna Jean was proud of her family and was a devoted Mother, Sister, and Grandmother. She touched the hearts of everyone she met, as everything she did in life was to benefit God and family. Donna Jean is, and will continue to be, greatly missed by all. We take solace in knowing that she is in the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
She is survived by her husband, David Auger, her son, John Auger, her "daughter", Stephanie Auger, and her three grandchildren, Victoria Auger, Thomas Auger, and Patrick Auger. Also surviving her are her sister Marie (John) Calabrese, brother Bill (Peg) Nelson, brother, Bob (Patty) Nelson, sister, Debbie Ruhl, and many nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her brother-in-law, Bruce Ruhl.
Visitation will take place from 2pm-8pm on Wednesday, September 30, 2020 at the Gephart Funeral Home, Inc. Gephart Funeral Home, Inc. is currently still under the governor's executive order of social distancing and limited to 10 visitors in the chapel at one time. You may experience a wait while paying your respects. Face coverings must be worn. Funeral services will take place at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 103 E. Midland St., Bay City, MI, at 11:00 AM on Thursday, October 1, 2020. A short visitation will begin there at 10 AM. A light luncheon will be held following the services. The luncheon will be at Wenona Masonic Lodge, 200 E. John St., Bay City, MI. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to make a memorial contribution to the Michigan Heroes Museum in Frankenmuth, MI.