Neal James Gauthier

Neal James Gauthier, 87, passed away peacefully on April 20, 2023.  He was born December 15, 1935 to Lonnie and Agnes (Sousek) Gauthier.  Neal attended St Luke’s Catholic School and graduated from Two Rivers High School in 1953.  He served in the U.S. Army stationed in Germany.  He married Sue Ann Mettler on March 2, 1957 and they were happily married for 61 years.  Sue preceded him in death on November 7, 2018.

Despite a serious stroke at the young age of 23, where some men would have chosen to collect disability, Neal worked hard his entire life as a butcher, both in his family meat business and at various supermarkets.  In the family meat business, Neal was blessed to work for his dad Lonnie, and then as a partner to his brother Earl.  He also loved deer hunting with his sons in Suring or Caroline, fishing trips to Canada and on Lake Michigan, or even taking a walk on the pier.  He gave to his community through his faithfulness to the church and by serving as a member and former president of the 20 Grand Club.

Besides his parents and his wife Sue, Neal was preceded in death by his two brothers, Earl and Dale Gauthier, and his two sisters-in-law, Betty Quist and Marlynne Gauthier.  He also lost one grandson, Charles Neal Gauthier on January 27, 2022.

Neal is survived by his two sons, Tony (Jody) Gauthier and Larry (Heidi) Gauthier.  He had ten grandchildren, Luke Gauthier, Adam (Kristina) Gauthier, Amy Gauthier (fiancé Andy Bigler), Aaron (Mercedes) Gauthier, Neal Gauthier, Jill (Josh) Tadych, Cindy (Brice) Ruedinger, Lonnie Gauthier, and Brian Gauthier.  He also had nine great-grandchildren, Ember Cisler and Erin Gauthier, Tony Gauthier, Annamae and Bernie Bigler, Lacy, Liam, and Emelia Tadych, and Beckett Ruedinger; brother-in-law:  Ivan Quist.  He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

We all feel so blessed to have been able to share so much of our lives with such a great man.  From getting bakery for our chickens to taking his turn student driving with our kids, and always keeping his keen sense of humor about it, Neal was about as loved as a dad and grandpa could be. 

As Chuck described him in his journal, “my whole life I’ve been blessed with the best men I ever could have.”

Our deepest appreciation to the staff at Northland Lodge and Aurora at Home Hospice for taking such wonderful care of him.

Funeral services will be held on Friday April 28th at St Peter the Fisherman parish in Two Rivers at 11:00 am. Presiding at the mass of Christian burial will be the Rev. David Beaudry. Friends and family may call at the church from 9:00 am to 10:45 am.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com

The Lakeshore Family Funeral Home, Klein & Stangel location, is assisting the Gauthier family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent in Neal’s name to St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church, Two Rivers.

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