John Reese Garner

John passed away at home on Sunday, October 30, 2022 at 79 years of age.  He was born and raised in Saginaw, Michigan to the late William and Alma (Reese) Garner.   After completion of high school, he went to work at General Motors in the skilled trades as a Millwright and Blacksmith for 36 years.  Never being idle for too long he then continued his career as a Gunsmith at Duncan's Outdoor Shop for 15 years.  John started SCUBA diving at age 15 and continued well into his adult life, including for many years teaching SCUBA classes as a NAUI instructor.  Traveling from warm water tropical destinations to cave diving to incomparable Great Lakes shipwrecks.  He enjoyed sailing and was a member of the Tawas Bay Yacht Club for many years.  Another favorite hobby was kayaking, again taking him all over the Great Lakes and beyond, including several trips to the St. Lawrence Seaway in Quebec to paddle with the whales.  In addition to participating in the shooting sports he was also an NRA Rifle and Pistol Instructor and a Michigan DNR Hunter Safety Instructor.  Another service to his community and his boys, he served as a Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Scout Leader. During which time, he pioneered the Snorkeling BSA Merit Badge. Always tinkering with a project, he enjoyed the challenge of figuring a solution to a problem or designing and fabricating something to get the job done.
John is survived by his wife of 25 years, Sally Marion, whom he married on July 4th, 1997.  Faithful, four-legged companion, Wes. Also surviving are children; John (Cathleen) Garner, Elizabeth (James) Pufahl, Michael (Jean Owens) Garner, Joan (friend Dave) Reder, Dan (Brenda) Marion, and Paul Reder.  Grandchildren;  Samantha Garner, Mary Pufahl, Emma Pufahl, Thomas Pufahl, Jack Garner, Joel Garner, Nick (Megan) Reder, and Ray (Nicole) Marion.  One great grandson expected in December.   Sisters; Jeanne (Dan) Stock and Betty Goetgeluck.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Robert Goetgeluck and beloved pet, Katie.
A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, November 19th, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. at the Gephart Funeral Home.  The family will be present to receive visitors on Saturday from 2:00 p.m. until the time of the celebration.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Bay County Humane Society.