Clarence "Sonny" A. Gaertner II's Obituary
Clarence A. “Sonny” Gaertner II, a man who left a lasting mark on the people and organizations he touched, passed away Tuesday, June 11, 2024. For his family, he set the example of what it means to live with integrity – do what is right even if no one is watching – and unconditional love. Quietly, and sometimes quite firmly, he guided his children and grandchildren. For his country, he served in the U.S. Army and earned the Bronze Star for his heroism in Vietnam. For his community, he ran for and was elected to several boards and commissions, helping the places where he lived become the best they could be. Sonny was a terrific son, brother, husband, father and grandfather. He worked on the Gaertner dairy farm and later was employed as a manager at HVAC wholesale companies before retiring. He enjoyed playing fast-pitch softball and coaching youth baseball. He graduated from S.S. Peter and Paul High School and Central Michigan University. Sonny married Nancy Middlebrook on Aug. 1, 1970, at S.S. Peter and Paul in Saginaw. He is survived by his wife Nancy; three sons: Eric (Anne), Douglas (Annie) and Jeffrey (April); six grandchildren: Abbigail, Anthony James, Amelia, Jeffrey Jr., Jonah and Keegan; two sisters: Dorothy (Harold) and Susan; and nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Katherine; and twin daughters, Lori and Lisa. VISITATION is set for 5:00-7:00 PM on Thursday, June 13 at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI, 49444. A FUNERAL MASS is scheduled for 11:00 AM Friday, June 14 at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 1110 Dykstra Road, North Muskegon, MI, 49445, with visitation at church one hour prior to Mass. A visitation will also be held from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM on Monday, June 17, at St. Andrew Cemetery, 381 St. Andrews Road, Saginaw, MI, 48638, with a GRAVESIDE SERVICE starting at 12:00 PM. Memorials may be given to Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s (www.kirkgibsonfoundation.org/) or Armed Forces Salmon Assault (www.salmonassault.com/). Please sign the family’s online guestbook and share memories at sytsemafh.com.
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