Linus 'Len' Gauthier

January 2, 1929 - December 20, 2018
Life is a journey along which we meet many people. Those fortunate enough to have met Len will remember his genuine smile and his big warm hugs.
Len was born in Lake Leelanau to Edmond and Agnes. He attended Lake Leelanau St. Mary's where he met Josephine (Jo) Schaub. As he told the story, when he met her he decided that he was never going to let her go. They were married on February 9, 1948. For 70 years he never let her go. They could be seen many evenings walking hand in hand down Ramsdell St where they lived and raised their family.
Len felt blessed by his family and his family felt blessed by him. He was a good father and a good man. He is survived by his wife, Jo, and his children Bob (Carol), Kathe (J.C) Zimmerman, Wanda (Paul) Plamondon, and MaryAnn (Dan) Fouch.
In the loss and sorrow of the moment, we can remember some of the joy and laughter Len's 89 years brought. He loved to tell stories. He would tell a story for the tenth time with the same enthusiasm he told it the first time. His favorite stories were about camping with his older brother Mel, fishing in Canada with his son Bob, and his favorite stories about trips he and Jo took out West on their Harley Davidson Motorcycle and South to the Smokey Mountains.
A man of strong faith, Len and Jo have been members of Immaculate Conception for over 70 years. Len didn't just profess his faith, he practiced it every day. He led the life every Christian would be proud to live. He was honest, hard working, and humble. At the same time he was proud of his family, proud of his home and really proud if he could find a bargain.
A skilled craftsman, Len helped many family members and friends as they built their homes. He built and repaired antique clocks, many which still hang in homes in Traverse City. He worked at Grand Traverse Metal Casket Company until it closed. He then moved to Gauthier Shoes where he was one of the most skilled shoe repair people in the area. He worked there until he retired.
Len has three siblings who survive him, brothers Melvin, John (Ruth), and Jim (Phyllis). He was predeceased by a brother, Dean and a sister, Emily.
He is also survived by many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
The family wishes to extend special thanks to all those who offered prayers and wishes during Len's short illness. Thanks also to Hospice of Michigan who were helpful to both Len and his family. Thank you to Dr. Pacer and his nurse Rose for both medical and emotional care. And to wonderful neighbors Garry and Marlene.
Those who wish to donate may do so to Immaculate Conception School Building Fund or to the charity of their choice.
You might just get a hug from Len.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place Friday December 28, 2018 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at 11:00am with visitation one hour prior. Father James Hayden will officiate.
Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your memories with the family on Len's tribute page.
The family is being cared for and served by the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.