MARQUETTE, Mich. - The Reverend Lawrence T. Gauthier, age 83, Marquette native and longtime priest of the Diocese of Marquette, entered eternal life Saturday, July 7, 2012 at Marquette General Hospital.
Born February 26, 1929 in Marquette, the son of Leo T. and Margaret L. (Hearter) Gauthier, Father was raised in Marquette and attended the Bishop Baraga High School. After seminary studies at St. John Provincial Seminary, Plymouth, he was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Marquette on June 4, 1955 at St. Peter Cathedral, Marquette. Following ordination, Father Gauthier began his ministry in the Diocese of Marquette serving first as Associate Pastor at Nativity Parish in Sault Ste Marie and Holy Family Mission in Barbeau. In January 1971, he was appointed Administrator of St. Mary Mission in Big Bay. His first assignment as Pastor was at St. Michael Parish, Marquette. From 1983, until his retirement in 1994, he served as Pastor at St. Louis the King Parish, Harvey. In November 2005, he served as temporary Administrator of St. Joseph and St. Patrick Parish in Escanaba. In addition to his various pastorates, he graciously served as Diocesan Director of the Propagation of the Faith and Director of the Holy Childhood Association. He served as Assistant Vocational Director for the Sault Ste Marie Deanery and the Superintendent of Catholic Schools. After retiring, he served several terms as the Representative of the Retired Priests on the Priest's Council. On receiving the news of Father's death, Bishop Alexander Sample of the Diocese of Marquette, wrote, "Father Gauthier was devoted to his pastoral ministry and served his parishioners faithfully." Throughout the years, Father Gauthier kept a busy schedule. He was well known for his telling of jokes and funny stories, and no church function was complete until he shared one of his gems. He loved people and enjoyed visiting his parishioners, those who were ill, and was always interested in their latest family news. Gardening and yard work was a refreshing interval between schedules and he could often be found at the family home on Fisher Street tending to projects. He maintained an active interest in politics and was a staunch supporter of the unborn child. Father enjoyed technology, keeping abreast of the latest events, whether on his computer or cell phone, and numerous homilies were saved, and lost, through his computer skills. He was a golfer, sometimes frustrated on the greens, but having a good time nonetheless. Parties were always a favorite as they often provided a chance to meet new people, try fine food, and especially at wedding receptions, the opportunity of a good dance (known for his chicken dance). His appreciation of good food was well known and, at the Villa, he even had his own dedicated booth. Following retirement, Father still kept the same, often hectic schedule, only this time he divided his time between his home in Florida and Marquette. Assisting parishes by filling in for vacationing priests, Father traveled wherever his services could be utilized, even scheduling up to two years in advance. Even now, there remains a calendar full of "help-outs". Father was a humble servant of God who made everyone feel important and loved, performing his duties with efficiency and bestowing on those around him the benefit of his smile. He will be remembered, missed, often quoted, and will serve as a model of the dedicated Christian Life.
Requiescat in pace!
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Rev. Lawrence T. Gauthier
Father Gauthier is survived by his sisters, Janeen Gauthier of Marquette and Evelyn (Joseph) Miron of Menominee; his nieces, Michele Lynn Gauthier and Kristine (Jon) Beard; nephews, Michael (Theresa) Miron, Stephen Miron, and Jason Miron; five great-nieces and two great-nephews; several cousins; his Diocesan family; and countless friends. Father was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Mary Margaret Gauthier.
Visitation for Fr. Gauthier will be held on Tuesday, July 10 at St. Louis the King Catholic Church in Harvey from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. The recitation of the rosary will take place at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 11, at St. Peter Cathedral at 1:00 p.m. Visitation at the cathedral will begin at 11:00 a.m. Members of Bishop Fredric Baraga the Snowshoe Priest Assembly Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, of which Father was a member, will stand honor guard. The Most Rev. James Garland, retired Bishop of the Diocese of Marquette, will be the principal celebrant of the mass with priest friends concelebrating. Diocesan deacons will assist. Father's niece, Kristine Beard, and nephews, Stephen and Jason Miron, and Austin Medina will serve as escorts. A reception will follow in Cathedral Hall. Burial will be made in the Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to The Propagation of the Faith, 1004 Harbor Hill Drive, Marquette, MI 49855 or the Building Fund at St. Louis the King Catholic Church, 264 Silver Creek Road, Marquette, MI 49855.
The Fassbender Funeral Home is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at www.fassbenderfuneralhome.com