George R. Gonser "Uncle Ray"

Fun loving yet hard working, generous and kindhearted, George Gonser was a blessing to those around him. He had a contagious zest for life and did whatever he could to help others in ways both great and small. George was a devoted father, but he just may have argued that there was nothing better than becoming a grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather. As someone who was content in all things, he fully embraced each and every day he was given while holding his loved ones near. Life will never be the same without George here, but his timeless legacy will be forever carried on by those who follow in his footsteps. The 1930s brought us some of the most trying days we have faced as a nation as the entire decade was cloaked in the hardship of the Great Depression. Jobs became hard to come by and the unemployment rate soared to unprecedented levels. Things only went from bad to worse when a harsh drought blanketed our nations heartland for nearly two years during the most challenging days of the entire decade. Despite the trying times around them, a bustling family from Fremont, Michigan, was able to shift their focus to an exciting time in their own lives as they welcomed a healthy baby boy into their hearts and home on July 8, 1935. George Raymond Gonser was born at home as the fourth of six children born to his parents, George and Elizabeth (Leigh) Gonser, and he was raised alongside his older siblings, John and Marie, and his younger sibling, Shirley. A sister Sharon died at birth. He did have an older brother, Richard, who was born in 1931, however, he died at the age of two after being hit by a car. Georges father worked as a lathe operator for Dresser Industries while his mother was a waitress at Half Moon who later took in foster children after getting remarried. George spent his earliest years in the family home on Lincoln Street in the Lakeside area of Muskegon and later moved with his family to a home on Engle Road in Dalton Township. While growing up George experienced a fairly typical upbringing. He enjoyed things like swimming at Duck Lake, and he also took his little sister swimming at Richards Park at the Muskegon Causeway. George could be a bit of a prankster while growing up such as the time he put a snake in his mothers pocket, but it was all in good fun. He looked forward to spending time with extended family who lived out of town, and Sundays often found them gathering with his aunts, uncles, and cousins. George was a student at McMillan Elementary and went on to North Muskegon Jr. High. One of his closest friends while growing up was Eddie Dault. Not to be forgotten during his years in school was Georges introduction to the woman who would change the course of his life forever. Her name was Arlene, and they met as young schoolmates. After falling in love they were married. George was deeply saddened with the death of Arlene when she was just 35 years old. Later he would meet Margaret Mack by way of her father and they would enjoy 41 years together. Through the years George was blessed to become the father of eight children including Vicky in 1954, George in 1957, Lonnie in 1958, Tina in 1960, Louis in 1961, Sonja in 1965, Raelynn in 1973, and Brad in 1976. The family home, located on McMillan Road in Dalton Township, was certainly a bustle of activity. As a family there were weekends with Aunt Clara and Uncle Ray. George was thrilled to welcome additional people into the family when his children married and had families of their own. Holidays became times that were very precious to him as it was a time for everyone to share laughter and love together. There were also birthday pig roasts, which were so important to his family that they are holding a memorial pig roast on July 12th in celebration of Georges birthday on the 8th. He loved taking his grandchildren out for ice cream or out shopping, and it was George who took care of his grandson who had been hit by a car. All who knew George would certainly agree that life was so much fun when he was around. One of the favorite memories within the family was the time that he got drunk and passed out, so the family put a wig on him and took a picture. When George awoke and saw the picture sitting on the television he asked, Who the hell is that woman?! The hoots that followed were the best, and it was so much fun to tell him that it was him, and, Dont you make a good looking woman? More laughter followed, of course! One of Georges favorite memories was when he was walking down the street, and his grandson came running out of the house full speed ahead and threw his grandpa over his shoulder without missing a step. Although nothing was better than being surrounded by his loved ones, Georges life was enriched in numerous ways. He worked hard throughout his life in a variety of industries including as a machine operator, a well driller, a pyle driver, and a security guard before finally settling in as a self-employed mechanic. George was a dog lover who almost always had a treasured canine companion of one breed or another. For several years he loved dirt track racing, was a Circle Dirt Track pit crew member and sponsor, and he even built race cars, too. In addition, he liked hunting, fishing, woodworking, cooking, and traveling. George was a fan of Whitehall High School football, especially when his grandchildren and great-grandchildren were playing. He also came to as many of their soccer and baseball games as he could. George was an avid solitaire player and liked to attend parties, and some of his closest friends were John Allen, Al Meyer, Cub Welkoske, and Al Bisard. With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, George Uncle Ray Gonser create a lifetime of priceless memories with the family and friends he treasured. He would have given the shirt off his back to someone who needed it and was dependable and filled with wisdom, too. Although he could be cantankerous at times, it was only when it came to things he was passionate about. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by countless people. George "Uncle Ray" R. Gonser died on Wednesday, July 9, 2014. Georges family includes his wife, Margaret; daughters, Vicky (Ken) Burr, Lonnie (William) Rattin, Tina Allen, Sonja (Will) West, Raelynn Ives; sons, George Gosner, Louis (Connie) Gonser, Brad Mack; 14 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; sister, Shirley Ross; brother, John Trier. George was preceded in death by his 1st wife, Arlene; parents; sisters, Sharon Gonser and Marie Beegle; brother, Dickie Gonser. Services will be held on Monday, July 14, 2014, 11:00 a.m. and visitation one hour prior to the service at the Clock Chapel - Muskegon with Maria Beegle officiating. In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to the American Cancer Society.