Joseph A. Rivard

Rivard, Joseph A. Bay City, Michigan Our devoted loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend went home to be with the his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, October 29, 2013 at Bay Shores Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Age of 88 years. The son of the late Heram and Roseina (Seyuin) Rivard was born April 7th ,1925 in Linwood, Michigan. Joe was a member of Fremont Avenue United Methodist Church and a member of VFW Kawkawlin/Linwood Post #6950. Joe was a proud veteran and served in the United States Army during WW II in the 12th regiment, 4th infantry Division from 1943 - 1945, where he received the Bronze Star. He retired from Mechanics Laundry due to ill health and enjoyed fishing, camping and was a Detroit Tiger Fan. On June 12, 1948 he married his wife of 65 years the former Gloria C. Fisk and she survives his passing along with three children; Daniel Rivard of Boulder, Colorado, Darren Rivard of Gaylord, MI and Diane and Ronald Greenwood of Bay City, his grandchildren; Stacey (Jeremy) Jarrett and Joel (Karolyn) Greenwood, three great grandchildren; Keagan, Micah and Moriah, two brothers and two sisters-in-law; George and Eileen Rivard of Bay City and Bernard and Marge Rivard of Pinconning, brother-in-law and sisters-in-law; Gerald and Donna Fisk and Joanie Fleming. Mr. Rivard was preceded in death by his brothers; Ernie, Richard and Art, two sisters; Laura and Marie and one brother-in-law and two sisters-in-law; Charles and Joyce Gentle and Clara Rivard. The Funeral Service will take place Saturday, November 2, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Fremont Avenue United Methodist Church. Officiating will be Rev. Susan Platt and his grandson Rev. Joel Greenwood followed by Military Honors conducted by the Bay County Veterans Council. Private interment will take place in Floral Gardens Cemetery. Friends may call at the Gephart Funeral Home, Inc. Friday from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. Mr. Rivard will be taken to the church on Saturday to lie in state from 10:00 a.m. and until the time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial to Fremont United Methodist Church or Good Samaritan Rescue Mission.