Name: Calling hours for Stephen Herman Gauss
Start: 2018-04-11T18:00:00.000Z
End: 2018-04-11T20:00:00.000Z
Location: Palmer Bush & Jensen Family Funeral Homes - Lansing Chapel

Stephen Herman Gauss

Lansing - Went to be with his Lord on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at the age of 76. Stephen was born on July 8, 1941 in Pontiac, Michigan. Growing up he managed the families A&W stand in Lansing and was known to all the children as the voice of Donald Duck at Gauss Baking Co. He graduated from St. Mary High School 1959 and went on to Lansing Community College to begin his training for his apprenticeship as a Pipefitter. He began his career at General Motors, Oldsmobile retiring from Plant 1 after 42 years of service in 2003. Stephen was often found "Cruising the Gut" with the love of his life Marla. Together they devoted and dedicated their lives to their faith at Immaculate Heart of Mary. Within the church, Stephen was an Usher, 4th Degree Knight Council # 10542, and co-founder of Pray it Forward. He and Marla began going to their cabins in Paradise, MI in 1991 and loved spending time there. He was a family man always attending family functions and supporting those he loved. He instilled in them good character and a strong faith and will be missed by them all.

He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years Marla (Hatt) Gauss; 7 children, Denise (Roger) Binns, Steve (Sandy), Keith (Denise), Dana, Derek (Lori), Deneen (Edward) Klein, and Jason (Jill); 30 grandchildren, Andrea (Dwight), Justin (Rachel), Steve, April, Kailey, Kyra, Kyrstin (Nate), Karly, Kameron (Jessica), Kristian, Karson, Kami, Adam, Josiah (Rudy), Caleb, Savanna, Marissa, Lucas, Joshua (Amber), Kara, Zach, Austin, Hailey, Corey (Katherine), Quinn, Clarrissa, Jai Jai (Kendall), Jenna, Sean, Aison; 7 great-grandchildren, Marla, Kameron, Gerard, Sabastian, Sykoh, Tibirius, Liliana, with one on the way; special children, Fr. Joe Mundadan, Paul (Mary) Karattekunnel, and Fr. Michael O'Brien; brother, Ted (Connie); childhood friend Bro. John "Chief" Maurer; 2 sisters, Mariane and Marty (John) Adams, and several nieces, nephews, and friends. A special thank you to Fr. John Byers and David Wiseman who have blessed us and became like family.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, April 12, 2018 at 11:00 AM at Immaculate Heart of Mary, Lansing with Rev. Fr. John Byers as Celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends Wednesday from 2:00-4:00 & 6:00-8:00 PM at the Palmer, Bush & Jensen Family Funeral Homes, Lansing Chapel with the Rosary to be prayed at 7:30 PM. Visitation will continue Thursday at the church beginning at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Immaculate Heart of Mary or Right to Life in memory of Stephen.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lansing State Journal on Apr. 10, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Gauss

Sponsored by Palmer Bush & Jensen Family Funeral Homes - Lansing Chapel Lansing Chapel.

12 Entries

Brian Bennett

April 21, 2018

Marla and all, my sincere condolences for your loss. Steve always had a smile on his face and a kind word for anyone he met. I will be forever grateful for Steve and Marla's love and concern for my grandparents Walter and Peg Campbell. They were always there to help and it gave me and my family great comfort to know that Steve and Marla were only a phone call away. May God's grace and peace be with you.

Troy Corp

April 11, 2018

Dear Gauss family, my deepest sympathy to you all at this time of Steve's passing. What a wonderful man! I only have the fondest memories of him during the times we all spent together. May God bless you and keep you uplifted while mourning his loss and celebrating his legacy. Sincerely, Troy Corp

Donna, Doug, & Brian Goulet

April 11, 2018

Steve, along with Marla, always were so very gracious and sincere to everyone who entered through the doors of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. Both of them have touched so many lives and we will always be grateful. Someday it would be great to know the number of Rosaries that have been "prayed forward." I am sure Mary and Jesus know the answer to that! Steve, you will be missed dearly by so many people and have truly affected the lives of many. Our lives have been richer because of you! Steve you have been a good and faithful servant and prayer warrior! May God bless and comfort your family during this difficult time.

Steve and Chris Wilcox

April 10, 2018

Steve was a wonderful person and a shining example of what a Catholic Christian should be. In the years I have known him, he has always been cheerful and full of optimism. I loved walking into church for Mass and seeing his smiling face. He always had a joke and a kind word to share. The IHM family will miss him. Thank you Steve for being one of the shining lights of our parish!

Ronald Hemenway

April 10, 2018

Stephen was a great man of God and a pleasure to work with, my condolences to Marla and all the family, may our Lord give his soul rest.

April 10, 2018

Stephen was a great guy to work with and more importantly he was a great person, he is in Gods hands now, may God rest hid soul.

Gordon, Stephanie, and Daniel

April 10, 2018

Thanks for the many ways you touched our lives!

At the Annual Living Rosary on the Capitol Steps - One of Stephen's Favorite Annual Activities for the Pray It Forward Program

Gordon Satoh and Family

April 10, 2018

There is no greater example of a Catholic gentleman than Stephen. From the first day I met him and Marla I felt welcomed as a part of the community at Immaculate Heart of Mary. As a friend and a mentor he lived his life for Jesus Christ, challenging me to do more and be more and love more. My wife and I are forever grateful for him and his wife Marla. We will miss Stephen in this life, and look forward to seeing his log cabin and hearing him sing Happy Birthday in "Donald Duck" when we meet in heaven!

Michael Hansen

April 9, 2018

I have great memories of the times I spent with Derek and his family when we were in high school at Harry Hill. His dad welcomed me like I was a member of their family. Stephen was a great guy and always treated me well. So sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences and prayers to his family.

Paul & Vicki Black

April 9, 2018

So sorry for your lost....prayers to the family.

Pam Cole

April 9, 2018

My condolences to Marla and the family Steve was a great man and will be dearly missed. He is with God now miss you Steve rest in peace

Dave and Cindy Carr

April 9, 2018

Steve was a very kind and loving man who made everyone feel special. His devotion to God and his family were a wonderful example to all. We will miss his laugh, his jokes and the sincere way he asked "how are you". Rest in peace kind friend.

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