Obituary of Kathleen Janet Gunther

Gunther, Kathleen “Kathy”

Freeland, Michigan

Passed away peacefully on Monday, August 9, 2021 at Covenant HealthCare – Harrison.  She was 76 years old.  Kathleen Janet Schlicker was born on November 17, 1944 in Bay City to the late John R. and Margaret C. (Lederer) Schlicker.  She grew up in Auburn on the family farm experiencing all the joys of a good life; living simply, working hard and getting into just a little bit of trouble.  She was blessed with a close knit family that shared many hours around their large kitchen table listening to polka music, baking, canning, sharing meals, celebrating birthdays and playing cards.  

Kathy grew up a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and School where she was baptized and confirmed.  She graduated from Arthur Hill High School, class of 1962.  Kathy worked at Dow Chemical Company for 32 years until her retirement in 1999 from the Corporate Payroll Department.  Agreeing to a blind date, she met the love of her life, James F. Gunther.  They were married at Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church on July 8, 1967 and shortly afterwards joined the community at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church.   Jim and Kathy shared 54 years filled with family, friends and many adventures.  Kathy enjoyed bowling, golfing, snowmobiling, riding her Honda Gold Wing and playing cards.

Kathy's memory will be cherished by her husband, James; daughter, Pari (Mark) Sitarski; son, Christopher (Julie) Gunther; grandchildren: Sarah (Jay) Mepham, Abigal Taylor, James Sitarski; great grandchildren: Lily Swift, Sydney and Juliana Mepham; brothers-in-law, Ronald Kohn and Robert Parker; nieces and nephews: Cheryl Wright of California, Kenny Jensen and Mark Jensen of California, Angi (Greg) Reno, John (Sarah) Kohn; extended family and dear friends.   Kathy was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings: Ronald (Kathleen) Schlicker, Lyle Schlicker and Margo Kohn.

SERVICE:  A Funeral Liturgy will take place at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 5376 State St, Saginaw, MI 48603. Rev. Fr. Rick Bokinskie will officiate. Private burial has already taken place at St. Andrew Cemetery.

VISITATION: Family and friends will gather at the church on Wednesday, September 8, 2021 from 9:30a.m. until the time of Mass.

MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. Thomas Aquinas Brown Bag Bunch or St. Judes Children's Research Hospital.  Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the church or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.