Arthur Gonzalez

Arthur Gonzalez, age 83, of Houghton Lake, passed away on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, surrounded by his loving children.

Art was born on March 2, 1942, in Santurce, Puerto Rico to Angelica (Varela) Gonzalez. He graduated from Ferris State University.  Art owned and operated 3 businesses in Houghton Lake for over 40 years. He was married on May 26, 1962, to Joyce A. Ruedger. Art was a member of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church and a Charter member of the Knights of Columbus, where he served as a Chancellor for many years. He gave his time to the Houghton Lake Community serving many organizations. He was the Houghton Lake Rotary Club President in 1995 and helped charter the Interact Club that is still going strong 30 years later with over 60 student members. He also served as Publicity Director and former instructor for the Houghton Lake Sportsman Club. He was certified with the National Rifle Association in Concealed Pistol Law, and in 2011 he took first place in the Expert Class of the Pistol Championship in the Michigan State NRA Competition. He was also a firefighter for Markey Township from 1973 to 1993.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, competitive shooting, and especially, spending time with his family.

Art is survived by his greatest joy and accomplishment, his children; William (Dolores) Gonzalez, James Gonzalez, Thomas (Kim) Gonzalez, Joseph (Suzy) Gonzalez, Teresa Harris, John (Christina) Gonzalez, and Anthony (Jennifer) Gonzalez, and thirteen grandchildren; Nicole, Christa, David, Matthew, Victoria, Veronica, Kenzie, Brenna, Jack, Emily, Molly,  Hannah, and Alena; five great-grandchildren; Cheyenne, Audrey, Wesli, Jase, and Levin. He was preceded in death by his mother, Angelica, wife, Joyce, and son, Christopher.

Mass of Christian Burial for Arthur Gonzalez will be conducted at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church on Tuesday, July 15, 2025,  at 11 am with Father Matthew Cowan officiating. Interment will be in Roscommon Township Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Monday, July 14, 2025, from 4 pm to 8 pm at Christler Funeral Home-Prudenville Chapel with a rosary at 7 pm. Memorial contributions in memory of Art are asked to be directed to Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School. Christler Funeral Home-Prudenville Chapel is serving the family. Condolences can be sent to the family online at www.christler-holdship.com

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