Obituary of Chris Gunther

With full hearts and cherished memories, we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and dear friend, Christopher James Gunther. Chris left this world on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at the age of 53, surrounded by his family at home, the very heart of his world.

Born in Saginaw, Michigan on November 16, 1971, to James F. and Kathleen J. (Schlicker) Gunther, Chris grew up with a strong sense of adventure, and a mischievous curiosity that made his mother pray for his safety.  A graduate of Hemlock High School’s Class of 1990, he married the love of his life, Julie Black, on April 14, 1999, in Las Vegas at the Little Chapel of the Flowers. It was a fitting start for a couple who believed in living boldly and loving deeply.

Chris had a deep passion for helping others. He began his career as an EMT and Paramedic for MMR and Bay Regional Medical Center before pursuing a nursing degree at Delta College. As a Registered Nurse, Chris served patients across the Great Lakes Bay Region at Covenant HealthCare, St. Mary’s/Ascension/MyMichigan Medical Center, and the Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center. Over the years, he wore many hats: Paramedic, RN, Supervisor, House Administrator, Board Member, and Nurse Manager. Through every role, Chris left a lasting impression, not just for his clinical skill, but for his compassion, leadership, and ability to make people laugh even in the toughest of moments. He inspired those around him, including his daughters, to follow in his footsteps into nursing and social service, continuing his legacy of care.

Outside of work, Chris was a man of action and adventure. He found joy in hunting deer and bear, and could often be found roaring down the highway on his Harley-Davidson, taking long rides to Sturgis, New York, or the warm coasts of Florida. He loved camping, concerts, four-wheeling, and getting his hands dirty in the yard. But above all, Chris cherished time with his family, from dance recitals to soccer and volleyball games, backyard BBQs to bonfire chats. He was the kind of guy who started new traditions just so everyone had something more to look forward to.

Chris leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter, carried on by his wife, Julie Gunther; daughters: Sarah (Jay) Mepham and Abigal (Matthew) Herriman; and the grandchildren who lit up his world: Lily Swift, Sydney and Juliana Mepham, and Connor and Owen Herriman. He is also survived by his father, James Gunther; sister, Pari Ann (Mark) Sitarski; mother-in-law, Bonnie Black; siblings-in-law: Jeff (Pam Martin) Black and Debra (Doug) Bradford; and nieces and nephews: James Sitarski, Jennifer Black, Seth, Anna, and Lauren Bradford; and his beloved dog, Yeti also known as “Big Dog” along with a large extended family and many friends who were lucky to call him theirs.

He is reunited in heaven with his loving mother, Kathleen J. “Kathy” Gunther, and his father-in-law, Paul D. Black.

Family and friends are welcome to gather at the funeral home from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, August 8, 2025 at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd., Saginaw, MI 48603. A celebration of Chris’s life will begin at 6:00 p.m. with a presentation from the Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center Nurse Honor Guard, a fitting tribute to a life spent in service to others. Rev. Don Dinninger will officiate. Visitation will continue following the service until 8:00 p.m.

In honor of Chris’s giving spirit and bold heart, those wishing to make a donation may consider supporting Bringin’ Back the 80’s Festival (supporting community members battling cancer) or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

To share your stories and celebrate Chris’s life, visit the family at the funeral home or online at DeislerFuneralHome.com.