Carol J. Festerling

Carol passed away peacefully on September 14, 2025 at Sheffield Bay Assisted Living at the age of 81. She was born to the late Frank and Edna (Steinke) Birkenheier on September 21, 1943 in Bay City, Michigan. She was a member of Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church and retired as a teacher with the Bay City Public Schools. She was also a member of the Michigan Education Association-Retired.

She is survived by her brother, John Birkenheier and his wife Jane Sajewski; her sister, Joyce Meyer and her husband Ron; her sister-in-law, Eileen Micho and her husband Jerry; her brother-in-law, Tom Learmont; several nieces and nephews; and many close friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Neil Festerling, whom she married on July 30, 1966. They spent 46 wonderful years together before his passing in 2002. She was also preceded in death by her sister-in-law, Ruth Learmont.

Carol taught elementary school for 30 years in the Bay City Public Schools. She was active in her church and community. She was loving, giving and talented, as a sister, teacher, and friend. It would be impossible to list all the people who were touched by Carol’s good humor and her love, support and generosity. She will be sorely missed.

Funeral service for Carol will take place on Friday, September 19, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church with a private interment at Floral Gardens Cemetery. Officiating will be Pastor Joel Pankow. The family will be present to receive visitors at Gephart Funeral Home on Thursday, September 18, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Friday at the Church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church or the Good Samaritan Rescue Mission.