Howard Gager

1942 - 2016

Gager, Howard Lee age 74; of Alma passed away Friday, September 9, 2016 at his home. He was born April 4, 1942 in Alma the son of John and Mary (Vojtas) Gager. Howard was a 1961 graduate of Ithaca High School and married Jean Kipp on February 19, 1983 in Alma. Howard worked for Total Refinery for 23 years, Bear Truss and retired from Masonic Pathways Transportation Department in 2015. He was an active member of Central Michigan Free Methodist Church in Mt. Pleasant. He enjoyed cooking and was famous for his peanut butter sheet cake. Howard was a member of the Gratiot County Baseball League, participating as a player, manager and past president. In 2010 he was inducted in the GCBL Hall of Fame. He also spent many years as an Umpire for the MHSAA. Howard is survived by his wife of 33 years, Jean of Alma, his children, Fauna (Mark) Dean of Shepherd, Raelyn (Bryan) Alward of Elwell, Todd Gager of Edmore, Anthony Gager of St. Louis, step-sons, Scott Humphrey of Riverdale ad Steve Humphrey of Flint, seven grandchildren, Joe, Shauna, Christopher, Chad, Selena, Anthony and Jodie, 15 great-grandchildren, five step-grandchildren, one step-great-grandchild and his siblings, Russell (Nancy) Gager of Alma, Randy (Nancy) Gager of Riverdale, Rosemary Duckworth of Alma, Elaine (Steve) Williams of Saranac and Linda (Doug) Sears of Clare, the mother of his children, Karen Peckinpaugh and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Jodi Gager in 1967, a son, Chad Gager in 1971, sisters, Judy Milliken and Kathy Wiles and brothers-in-law, Harley Milliken, Rick Duckworth and David Wiles. Per Howard’s wishes his body has been donated to Michigan State University. Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at 11 a.m. at the Central Michigan Free Methodist Church in Mt. Pleasant with Pastor Nick Casteel officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Central Michigan Free Methodist Church. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Lux-Moody-Wolfel Funeral Home, Alma. To view Howard’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.luxfuneralhomes.com