Obituary of Lucile Margaret Brettrager

Brettrager, Lucile M.
Spaulding Twp., Michigan

Lucile Margaret Brettrager, our loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away on Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25, 2024, at her residence while surrounded by her family. She was 96 years old. Lucile M. Gushen was born on January 16, 1928, in Saginaw, Michigan to Floyd and Luella (Preuter) Gushen. She married Edward Jack Brettrager on January 17, 1948, in Saginaw, Michigan at Holy Family Catholic Church. They celebrated 76 years together. He preceded her in death in March of 2024.

Lucile and Ed owned and operated Spaulding Machine and Spaulding MFG, Inc. Together, they enjoyed farming and were proud members of the Michigan Farm Bureau for many years and Holy Family Catholic Church, where Lucile was a life long member for 96 years. Lucile was also a member of the American Business Women’s Association for 25 years and served one 4 year term as the Spaulding Township Treasurer.

Lucile was lovingly known as “Saint Lucile” to her family and friends. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, canning, and baking. Not only did Lucile enjoy all these activities, but she excelled at them. Her cooking and cake decorating were greatly enjoyed and sought after by those who knew how skilled she was, and luckily, she loved to cook and bake for others. Lucile also treasured time spent fishing at the family property in Canada. We will miss our mother and grandmother, her beautiful cakes, and delicious meals, but her loving, kind spirit will live on through her children and grandchildren.

Lucile is survived by her only living sister, Marilyn Trombley; beloved children, Karen Moore (Partner Rod Green), Gary (Dawn) Brettrager, of Alaska, and Linda (Robert) Kwapis; nine adored grandchildren; Katie Moore, Brenda (Jason) Kolka, Justin (Renee) Moore, Lacey (Raymond) Haddad, Jennifer Moore, Sarah (Randy) Downing, Kalli Brettrager, Joel (Lyndsay) Kwapis, and Kayla (Dan) Kryzsko; eleven dear great-grandchildren; Audri, Callen, Maci, Lukas, Zackary, Marina, Zayn, Walter, Ethan, MacKenzie and Nolan; and many nieces and nephews.

Lucile was preceded in death her husband, Edward Brettrager; her parents, Floyd and Luella Gushen; and her siblings, Leona Jurek, Gerald Gushen, Irvin Gushen, and Kay Meloy.

FUNERAL SERVICE: A Funeral Liturgy will take place Thursday, January 2, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 1525 S. Washington Ave., Saginaw, MI 48601. Rev. Fr. Christopher Coman will officiate. A committal service will take place at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Saginaw.

VISITATION: Family and friends will gather at Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. A Vigil Service will take place at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. Visitation will continue at the church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

MEMORIALS: Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Holy Family Catholic Church, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or a charity of your choice.

Deisler Funeral Home is honored to serve the Brettrager family. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church, or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.