David Bruce Auger

David Bruce Auger passed away, peacefully on Monday, November 13, 2023. He was born on February 23, 1945, in Bay City, Michigan to the late William (Harry) and Gladys (Wallace) Auger. He was always proud of being born on the day the flag was raised atop Mt. Suribachi on Iwo Jima. He graduated from T.L. Handy High School in 1964 and went on to attend Ferris State College until 1966. Dave graduated from Ferris with an Associate’s Degree in Auto Mechanics. In October 1966, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, but instead signed with the Regular Army in order to choose his job. He went to Ft. Knox for basic training and then to Ft. Belvoir for air conditioning/refrigeration repair school. In 1968 he was sent to South Korea and worked with the HAWK missile systems at Camp Howard. Returning to the U.S., he was stationed at Ft. Sill before being Honorably Discharged in October 1969.

Returning to Bay City, Dave got a job with Consumers Power Company as a mechanic. He spent almost 34 years working out of the Wilder Road garage. During his tenure he was instrumental in starting a program to restore and give away bikes to needy children at Christmas.

In 1971 Dave met Donna Nelson and on February 19, 1972, they were wed at the Bay City Free Methodist Church. Dave and Donna had over 48 years together before Donna passed in 2020.

Dave loved to hunt and fish, spending as much time as possible at his cabin North of Mio. He grew up hunting and fishing with his father and brother and passed his love for the outdoors to his son and grandchildren.

From the time he was a little boy, he was enamored with old Fords. In 1980, his dream of owning a Model A Ford came true when he brought one home from a field in Sebawaing. After 10 years of restoration, his 1930 Tudor was complete. Dave was a member of the Script A Region, and the AuSable Valley A’s Region of the Model A Restorer’s Club. He went on many tours all over the state and country with his car.

Dave was a great Christian man. He was active in the Lighthouse Free Methodist Church where he drove the church bus and van for many years. He was a youth leader and did many things in the men’s group. He used his mechanical talents to fix problems and keep the church running. He later joined First Presbyterian Church and was also part of the men’s group and on the building committee.

Throughout his life, Dave was generous with his time and money to those that needed it. He always put others first and set a great example for his son and grandchildren to follow. He adored his three grandchildren, Victoria, Thomas, and Patrick and would do anything for them. Dave was admired for his humor and wit and he was his son’s hero.

David Auger is survived by his only child John (Stephanie) Auger, grandchildren Victoria (Kyler) Auger-Vanderwall, Thomas Auger, and Patrick Auger. David is also survived by his brother William (Dawn) Auger, his twin sister Diane (Leonard) Pond, and his nephew Andy (Brenda) Pond.
Visitation will take place at Gephart Funeral Home on Friday, November 17 from 1-7 PM. The funeral will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 103 E. Midland St., Bay City, MI, at 11 AM on November 18. There will be a short graveside service at Eastlawn Cemetery, on M-46, including military honors. A luncheon will take place at Joppa-Wenona Masonic Lodge at 2 pm, 200 E. John St., Bay City, MI. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to make a memorial contribution to the Michigan Heroes Museum in Frankenmuth, MI.