Karen L. Gauthier

Mrs. Karen L. Gauthier, of Bay City, passed away early Friday morning February 12, 2016 at Caretel Inns of Tri-Cities, age 78. The daughter of the late Kelly and Gladys (Jean) Zander, she was born on March 1, 1937 in Bay City. Karen was a member of the former Visitation Catholic Church and was currently a member of St. Catherine of Siena Parish. She retired from Bay Medical Care Facility after many years of employment. Karen loved to go on casino trips and enjoyed fishing. Most important to her was her family, especially her great-grandchildren. Karen's great-grandchildren will not only miss her, but also her famous "Goodie Drawer."
Karen was married to Lester J. Gauthier for 56 years and he preceded her in death in 2012. She is survived by her daughter, Lynne (Rick) Rose; her son, Michael (Penny) Gauthier; her grandchildren, Lexie Gontko and her boyfriend, Jason Richard, Jake Rose and his girlfriend, Courtney Wright, Michael Gauthier and Stacy Kasper; five great-grandchildren who were the love of her life, Zander Richard, Weslynn Richard, Jaxon Richard, Bryer Richard and Ethan Kasper; a brother, Patrick (Bobbie) Zander; a brother-in-law, Lawrence Gauthier; a sister-in-law, Shirley Thorpe; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Karen was also preceded in death by a sister, Jeannie Schmoack; a brother-in-law, Fred Thorpe; a sister-in-law, Maxine Gauthier; and her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Fred and Irene (LaPan) Gauthier.
The Funeral Liturgy will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at St. Catherine of Siena Parish, St. Vincent de Paul Church. The Celebrant will be Rev. Fr. John S. Sarge. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery. Friends may call at the Gephart Funeral Home, Inc. on Tuesday from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. Mrs. Gauthier will lie instate at the church on Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or to the Wounded Warriors Project. www.gephartfuneralhome.com