August "Sam" Edward Gaul

August “Sam” Edward Gaul, 98 of Bridgman passed away on Thursday, September 11, 2024 at Caretel Inns St. Joseph.

A funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Monday, September 16, 2024 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 9650 Church St., Bridgman with Reverend Dr. Douglas Krengel officiating. Friends may meet with the family on Monday, 10-11 AM prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery, Bridgman. Memorial contributions may be given to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Meals on Wheels of Southwest Michigan, (checks payable to Senior Nutrition Services), 1708 Colfax Ave., Benton Harbor, MI 49022, or Hospice at Home, 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, MI 49085. Online condolences accepted at www.PikeFH.com.

 Sam was born on December 19, 1925 in Stevensville the son of the late Gustav and Amelia (Binger) Gaul. On November 4, 1972 he married Jeannette Totzke and together they combined a loving family. Sam and Jeannette were faithful members of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Bridgman.

 Sam grew up on the family farm in Stevensville and knew what hard work and love of family was. He later was employed by Miller Equipment Company in Baroda. One day Mr. Strefling from Strefling Oil Company approached him to run a service station in Bridgman, which was fondly called Sam’s Gulf, which he operated for 20 plus years. After leaving the station he would do mechanical work at home until it was no longer possible. 

Sam could fix anything or find a way to build it. After Sam retired from the service station, he was asked to go to Hermel Die in Eau Claire by Joe Kamp to fix a lift truck, and when he arrived there found the lift truck in pieces in a bushel basket. This friendship/family lasted many years with Joe always finding one more piece of equipment for him to fix. Sam was a very caring man, who would help anyone who was in need. Sam’s greatest joy in life was his family, fishing with anyone who would ask him to go and enjoying his lake property with family and friends. Sam was also a member of the Bridgman Fire Department for many years.

 Survivors include his daughters: Isla Case and Janine (Peter) Schmidt; daughter-in-law, Julie Totzke; five grandchildren: Gary (Kim) Case, Chad (Heather) Case, William “Bill” Schmidt, Nicole Walker, and Mallory (Paul) Newell; 14 great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; his brother, Arnold Gaul; many nieces and nephews.

Sam was also preceded in death by his wife, Jeannette, in 2020; brothers: Albert and Herb; sisters: Louise, Margaret, Irene, and Vera and a son Clifford Totske, Jr.

 Arrangements are entrusted to Pike Funeral and Cremation Services, The Boyd Chapel, 9191 Red Arrow Hwy., Bridgman, MI.