Obituary of Benjamin W. Gombar

Benjamin William Gombar, age 89, passed away Saturday, April 11, 2020 after a courageous, year-long fight with Parkinson's disease. Benjamin was born August 23, 1930 in Mojtin, Slovakia. He immigrated to the United States aboard the Queen Mary and arrived on August 20, 1947, at just 17 years of age. He married the love of his life, Geraldine Ann Meyette, on July 14, 1962. Ben was a member of SS. Peter & Paul Church (St. Dominic Parish) for 71 years. It was at SS. Peter and Paul School that he learned to speak English. He was a very devoted Catholic, and a 50 year member of the First Catholic Slovak Union Branch 780. In addition, he was also an active member of the Slovak League and Slovak Catholic Federation. During his life, he worked at numerous manufacturing facilities, and retired from Saginaw Steering Gear Plant #2 after 40 years of service. Benjamin loved being outdoors gardening, fishing, and hunting, and those life skills he passed onto his children. He also enjoyed cooking, reading and collecting recipes. His laugh was infectious and he shared it with everyone. Ben is survived by his beloved wife, Gerri Gombar and eight children: Ben (Linda) Gombar, Joe (Dawn) Gombar, Mike (Trudi) Gombar, Chris Gombar, Mark (Michelle) Gombar, Mary (Tim) Albers, David (Melissa) Gombar, and Tom (Tammy) Gombar; 17 grandchildren: Ashley, Sarah, Ellen, Ryan, Tim, Kody, Jadon, Denise, Matthew, Katerina, Rebecca, Sabrina, Andrew, Jacob, David, Victoria and Brewer; three great-grandchildren: Fletcher, Eliza and Addison. Ben is predeceded in death by his parents, Laurence and Katarina (Salamon) Gombar; sisters: Bertha (Gombar) Pavelka and Frances (Gombar) Svihel; and brother, Rudolph Gombar. The family would like to thank the staff and administration of the Hoyt Nursing & Rehab Centre for all of their support and compassion during Ben's stay. MEMORIALS: Those planning an expression of sympathy may consider a donation to St. Dominic Parish - SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. In accordance with state-mandated ordinances a private funeral service will be held by Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State), Saginaw, MI 48603. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at www.DeislerFuneralHome.com