William "Bill" W. Auger

William “Bill” Auger, age 86, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at Covenant Harrison Hospital with his loving family at his side. He was born on February 14, 1940, in Bay City, Michigan, to the late William (Harry) and Gladys (Wallace) Auger.

Bill was a 1958 graduate of T.L. Handy High School. Following graduation, he proudly served his country in the United States Air Force as a crash rescue specialist. After completing military service, Bill dedicated 30 years to serving his community as a firefighter for The Bay City Fire Department. During his career, he became a certified fire investigator and arson investigator. Bill was passionate about fire safety and for many years visited area schools as “Fireman Bill,” accompanied by his faithful robotic dog “Hydrant Harry.”

Bill was a devoted member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, where he served as an Elder, was on the building committee, assisted in the video/broadcast room, helped prepare and serve funeral luncheons, and volunteered with Food of Faith. He was also a member of The Bay City Yacht Club, Toledo Ski Club, Snow Drifters Ski Club, and the International Association of Fire Fighters Local #116. He enjoyed Sailing, skiing, and playing golf with his friends Dick, Tom, and Ron.

Bill’s greatest joy came from spending time with his family. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 30 years, Dawn (Kitzman) Auger; stepdaughter, Laura (Marcus) Thomas; grandchildren, Daniel (Courtney) Murray, Aaron Chevalier, Brent Chevalier, Samantha Thomas, and Ellyott Thomas; great-grandchildren, Noah Murray, Peyton Murray, and Brayden Chevalier; nephews, John (Stephanie) Auger, Andrew (Brenda) Pond, Michael (Laurel) Kitzman, Jeff (Amy) Kitzman, Matthew Kitzman; niece, Janice (Josh) Wisniewski; mother-in-law, Joanne Kitzman; and in-laws, Leonard Pond, Randy (Cathy) Kitzman and Brent (Lorie) Kitzman.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his children, William B. Auger and Sue Ellen (Charlie) Chevalier; grandson, Adam Chevalier; niece, Heidi Pond; brother, David (Donna) Auger; and sister, Diane Pond.

A Funeral Service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 11, 2026, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, followed by Military Honors. Rev. Jamie Milton and Rev. Linda Williams will officiate. Private interment will take place at Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Gephart Funeral Home and again on Friday, September 11, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at Westminster Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a contribution to Westminster Presbyterian Church.