Gordon L. Gempel

GORDON L. GEMPEL age 77 of Harbor Beach passed away Saturday, April 22, 2006 in Covenant Health Center, Saginaw. Born in Harbor Beach on Dec. 11, 1928, he was the son of the late Leo C and Ruth Irene (Hamlin) Gempel. On May 20, 1950 Gordon and Betty Murawske were united in marriage in Harbor Beach. Gordon graduated from Harbor Beach Community Schools in 1946 and attended the University of Michigan and played on its football team. In 1949, he began the Gordon Gempel Insurance Agency in Harbor Beach which was started by his grandfather in 1931. Candice Oeschger became a partner in the Agency in 1998. He was a real estate broker, a member of the National Republican Party and former chairman of the Huron County Republican Party. A member of the Harbor Beach Planning Commission, Harbor Beach Conservation Club, Harbor Beach Community Hospital Board of Incorporators, Michigan Association of Independent Insurance Agents. And a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Harbor Beach and served as an Elder. Gordon was a former member of the Harbor Beach Jaycees, Rotary Club, the Special Police, and Touchdown Club. Gordon enjoyed bowling and was a member of the American Bowling Association. He also enjoyed playing tennis and attending Harbor Beach Pirate Football games as well as the Detroit Lion and Detroit Tiger games. He participated in the Minstrel Shows and enjoyed singing in the Men`s Glee Club. Gordon is survived by Betty, his wife of 55 years and his daughters: Wendy Shugert and her husband Rev. Dr. Stephen Shugert of Mt. Pleasant, Cheryl Lear and her husband Gary Lear of Westerville, OH, and Marsha Gempel of Mt. Pleasant.. Grandchildren Russell Eidenberger and his wife Andrea; Amy, Teri and Nikki Lear; Jennifer Battersby and her husband Elton; Jeff Schmidt. Great grandchildren Katelyn, Drew Anne and Thomas Eidenberger and Isabelle Battersby. : He was preceded in death by his father Leo C Gempel in 1951, his mother Ruth Irene Gempel on July 26, 1998, his sister Esther Munce on April 13, 1998 and a great granddaughter Taylor Anne Eidenberger on Jan. 22, 1999. Funeral services for Gordon Gempel will be Wednesday, April 27, 2006 at 1pm in the Ramsey Funeral Home, Harbor Beach with Rev. Dr. Stephen Shugert and Rev. Theresa Cutler officiating. Burial will be in the Rock Falls Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday from 7-9pm, Tuesday 2-5 & 7-9pm and Wednesday from noon until the time of services at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the Multiple Sclerosis Society and Diabetes Association.

Gordon L. Gempel

December 11, 1928 - April 22, 2006