Brian Lee Gaukel
Brian, age 59, of Holt, MI, passed away April 5, 2021. He was born on November 24, 1961 to Jack and Joan Gaukel, in Lansing, MI, where he was raised with his brother, Barry, on Weger Place. He spent his childhood going on many excursions with his family throughout the country capturing many memories that lasted a lifetime. Growing up on Weger Place, he made many lifetime friends who he remained close to his entire life.
Brian pursued a career with the Lansing Fire Department, following in his father’s footsteps, and went on to obtain his paramedic license in 1984. Brian touched countless lives throughout his career. He worked his way up to fire marshal, retiring in 2008 after 25 years of service. He later inspired his son Adam to follow in his footsteps to become a firefighter/paramedic with the Lansing Fire Department.
Brian met the love of his life, Gena (Renz), while he was going though the paramedic program at Lansing Community College. They would marry and start a family, having three beautiful boys. Brian and Gena loved their time together, whether it was traveling, being with their family and friends, or working outside with the Kubota, which Brian bought for Gena’s birthday. He loved spending time with his boys. He coached then in hockey, took many fishing trips, and loved attending the monster truck shows with his son Alex. He spent many summers with his family at Houghton Lake, traveling to Disney World, and vacationing in the Bahamas, making many memories that they will treasure for always and forever. He was a hero and inspiration to his three boys.
Brian enjoyed late nights at the rink, playing hockey for over three decades. Playing goalie, he became a staple in front of the net while blocking many shots, although allowing one or two to slip by. He looked forward to ski trips out west every winter. He loved the feeling of freedom up high on the mountains and enjoyed taking in the beauty with his friends and son Austin.
Brian, known to his Cedarville Crew as “Papa G,” would attend Duck Camp each fall, celebrating their 33rd year in 2020. Brian looked forward to the trip every year. The many memories and stories will remain instilled in their hearts.
Brian was an idol to his son Adam, who started a family of his own, with his wife Allison. It was one of Brian’s proudest moments, finding out that he would become a grandpa to Blake and Shane, who fondly referred to him as “Packa.” He loved playing with them outside while catching them as they went down the slides, watching them ride their bikes, driving in their Hot Wheel Gator, and walking down to the pond and feeding the fish. He loved and cherished his grandchildren, and was so proud to be their Packa.
You will forever be “our” always and remain in “our” hearts.
Brian is survived by his mother, Joan; his wife of 26 years, Gena; children, Adam (Allison), Austin (Kelly Kuzara), and Alex (Kaylee Zeerip); grandchildren, Blake and Shane; brother, Barry (Lori) Gaukel; mother-in-law, Judy Renz; and cousin, Patsy Williams. Brian was preceded in death by his father, Jack Gaukel.
Visitation will be held on Monday, April 12, 2021, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m., at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel, with a memorial service to follow immediately after, at 2:00 p.m. There will be a live stream of the service. You can view the service remotely by following this link: Live Stream
In lieu flowers, the family has asked that people make a contribution to The National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
41 Messages to “Brian Lee Gaukel”
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Douglas S. Palmer
April 7, 2021 at 11:05 pmI’m deeply saddened for family and friends of Brian. I’m one of the owners of Mercy Ambulance, however he left us to go to Lansing Fire about the time I was just becoming a EMT. I remember seeing the handsome and shy man with a great since of humor. I really enjoyed Brian and his father on a fly in fishing trip in Canada! I have several pictures that I often view of the trip. Once again from Mercy Ambulance and the Palmer family we offer our deepest condolences and certainly we respected and appreciate the time he worked for us.
With Love and Prayers
Douglas S. Palmer, owner and friend
Jeff Rutter
April 8, 2021 at 4:18 pmWe’re heartbroken to hear of Brian’s passing. Hugs and prayers to Gena and her family.
GK MARTIN
April 8, 2021 at 6:33 pmMy heart hurts for his family as well as everyone else at LFD. It is incredibly painful to lose someone way too soon. I served as Lansing chief from 1996-2006 and had the pleasure of working with Brian. I always appreciated his work ethic, his competence and his sense of humor. My deepest sympathy to the family.
Interim LFD Chief Greg “G.K.” Martin
Tim Moede
April 8, 2021 at 6:44 pmSorry to hear about Brian. Condolences to the family. He was a good man and I enjoyed working with him at LFD.
Rick Houghton
April 8, 2021 at 7:23 pmBrian had a good attitude and an ready smile. I remember his friendly demeanor. He was a good man.
Becky Rios
April 8, 2021 at 7:25 pmMy deepest condolences to the family, Brian was my brother’s best friend Arnie and when he came to south Texas he was like family. He was very nice and respectable to my parents and family. He loved speaking about his kids and wife. Brian was just a very sincere and nice guy and I’m very sadden about his death. He touched so many life’s . My prayers to his family and all those who loved him.
Rebeca Rios
Brownsville, Texas
David Costa
April 8, 2021 at 7:37 pmIt has been four days and I still cannot believe this news is true.
We had almost 45 years together and it was not enough.
I was proud to tell everyone that you were my best friend. I will continue to wear that as a badge of honor. Though I loved you more than words could express, I’m pleased that I never stopped trying even to point of making you cringe.
Perhaps the best way to sum up how much we meant to each other is to reflect on the fact that I have had the pleasure of visiting all 49 contiguous states. It is truly astonishing that you were by my side for half of those visits. No two people have spent more time in a car together. I was only half way through, through travelling with you. And it breaks my heart that you were not only half way through too. I teach my kids and others the rules of the roads we developed: never eat in chain restaurants; enjoy being lost in good company; and when you have gone too far down the wrong road and you know you need to turn back you must not do it in the valley, you have to drive to the next high point to see what is just over that hill or mountain in front of you.
God’s galaxy of stars will have to be our next journey of road trips. Until then, you will be with me in my heart for the balance of my earthly journey but I know that we will ride again.
There will be light after dark, some day when we aren’t six feet apart.
Rest easy my brother.
Paul France
April 8, 2021 at 7:50 pmOur deepest sympathy to Gena and all of Brian’s family. Growing up next door to Brian and being a “Weger Place kid”, I have many fond memories of him, as well as later in life and time spent in Northern Michigan. He was a good guy and will be missed. You’re all in our thoughts and prayers.
Paul and Shelli France and family
William Karnes
April 8, 2021 at 8:36 pmMy heart goes out to the family and all of the friends Brian had. I worked with Brian for many years at LFD. He was one of the good guys that you could count on when you needed him. I will always remember his genuine smile and his dedication to the job.
Rest In Peace my Friend,
William Karnes.
Katie McPherson
April 8, 2021 at 9:05 pmI’m so sorry for your loss. Brian helped save my partner’s life. I will forever be grateful for him. Sending our deepest condolences.
Holly Richardson
April 9, 2021 at 7:20 amMy heart goes out to Brian’s family and friends for this tremendous loss. I haven’t seen Brian in years but I will always remember Brian’s smile and the great memories I hold dear to me of our younger years in life. Rest in peace Brian, you will be missed by many.
Larry Puffenberger
April 9, 2021 at 9:06 amOur prayers go out to Gina, Adam, Austin, Alex and the family. Our hearts are so saddened loosing such a dear friend, there are no words. I met Brian working at Lansing Mercy Ambulance in the early 80’s. It was an instant bond between a mechanic and EMT. We had great adventures cruising the Dunes at Silver Lake, trips to Florida, Vegas and Canadian flyin. I mostly will miss your friendship, our talks and being part of our lives. You were one of my dearest friends, you are our sons namesake. You were a man of character, kind hearted, man of integrity and our son is honored to be named after you. He loved his Uncle Brian, I loved you like a brother. My wife Terri and I are blessed to have you in our lives. Proud to call you friend. You will forever be in our hearts, in our memories and we will cherish you forever. Love you forever ! Larry, Terri and Brian Puffenberger
Roger & Chris Cheney
April 9, 2021 at 10:09 amSo, so sorry for your (and all our) loss of Brian. He was such a great, caring parent & all around highly respected good guy. Our best memories are from our son Alex’s & Adam’s Holt H. S. hockey team. We were invoved parents with the Hockey Boosters & later as one of our Senior Hockey League goalies. I’m sure “Frog” & the rest of our group would all agree! Brian, you will be missed!!
Troy France
April 9, 2021 at 10:33 amAlthough my heart is so heavy, as so many others must be. I have been finding myself reflecting on so many great memories with my lifelong friend Brian Gaukel.
I would like to keep this short, but that isn’t happening. So make yourself comfortable.
How fortunate to, ” by choice “, continue such a close friendship throughout our entire lifetime.
A friendship that started back when diaper pins we’re stabbing us in the ass.
All that growing… All that learning… The shared property line in the greatest neighborhood that anyone could have ever been a part of. Which none of us ever took for granted. We backed each other when being picked on by the big kids on the block. (Barry and others ). Ha. Then later we picked on the little kids. Terrible, I know.
We learned to swim, played every sport and game that there was to play. Not that we were any good. However, you gave it everything you had in that neighborhood. We had our first jobs together. Paper routes, which started with us as well as the rest of our neighbor buddies over-running the Rivet place, our substation, to gather our news papers then head out to deliver them. We had our first beers together. Warm beer, stashed in the WILS field in the summer. Duh???
As the years went by we always found reasons to get together. Every year, throughout every year. Trips and excursions of all types. Way too many to cover.
Even after we had both married up. Our wonderful wives became wonderful friends. Hmm, I guess Brian and I set a good example. Strange, he and I had never been accused of anything like that before. We brought our families together on several occasions, meeting up with our friends, camping and fishing on many Waters both in Northern Michigan, as well as Canada. We chased muskies off ” Lefty’s Weedbed” on the Black River, and much more.
Most of all… We shared the most incredible groups of friends. I can surely say any friend of Brian Gaukel is a friend of mine. From those I have known forever, to those I had since met in the later years.
If a man can be judged by the company that he keeps as well as the love of his family. This man shines…
Great man, great son, great brother, great husband, great father, and of course, great friend… My life long friend.
How fortunate we all have been to be a part of his life, and he being a part of ours.
Troy France
Phil Sabon
April 9, 2021 at 11:08 amOur hearts go our to Brian’s family. Brain truly had good values which was demonstrated throughout his life. I worked with Brian for many years at LFD and as others have stated he truly was a person that you could count on. I will miss his dedication, friendship, and humor. We will miss you, may you rest in peace.
Lori Carpenter Smith
April 9, 2021 at 11:59 amIt was with great sadness to hear of Brian’s passing and yet another LFD brother. Such a great guy all Around. He was a great friend and hunting buddy of my late husband. He supported him through his illness and beyond. I know the grief seems insurmountable at this time. Rely on the support of your families and the LFD family. Their love and great support will help you through.
Frank & Jennifer Cannarile
April 9, 2021 at 1:42 pmAs a life long friend of Brian’s,my heart breaks to know that part of the Weger place gang is gone.Brian & I had a funny childhood together.We would do things together that others would later say we were crazy,like riding our 10 speeds to the Meridian mall in okemos when we lived near Everett high school.That was quite the jaunt for two 12 year olds..Brian was always out for an adventure even back in those days.Brian also was the first person to turn me into Van Halen.Brian had the top of the line stereo in his bedroom and one day he said “you need to hear this song by Van Halen.The song was called “eruption” and it has a part where it will literally scare the crap out of you.Brian got a kick out of seeing me scream…also Brian & his brother Barry always had the best matchbox cars..lol.You see even though Brian’s & my life went separate ways after high school whenever we would see each other it was a connection of like no other.He will always be a part of the “Weger gang” and I am beyond proud to have grown up with Brian….My heart aches for his wife Gena & his three sons,Barry & his mom Joan…..Love ya Brian & may God bless you in his house…
Jeff and Tracey Zeerip
April 9, 2021 at 3:50 pmAlex, Kaylee and the entire Gaukel Family. We are so very sorry for.your loss. You will all be in our prayers.
Pat and Connie Wieferich
April 9, 2021 at 5:16 pmGena, Our hearts are heavy. We are praying and thinking of you and your family. Brian will be missed by many. He was such a kind-hearted man, with a gentle way about him and an infectious smile.
Steve and Nancy Kuzara
April 9, 2021 at 8:00 pmTo the entire Gaukel family, there are no words to express how sorry we are for your loss. We are sending you so much love and you are all in our thoughts and prayers!
Marvin Helmker
April 9, 2021 at 9:07 pmLike several others who have expressed their sympathy, I worked with Brian for many years at LFD, having hired in with Barry just a year or two before Brian. Throughout his career, Brian was a guy who showed up for work, did his job, got along with those in the firehouse family, and served the citizens of Lansing well . My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Gaukel family as you grieve your tremendous loss.
Marv Helmker
Matt & Pam Jenkins
April 9, 2021 at 9:21 pmWe cannot express how heartbroken we are for the Gaukel family at the passing of Brian. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Gods speed Brian.
Todd Kletke
April 10, 2021 at 7:38 amAs I start my prayers for Gina and the boys it saddens me how this empty spot in my heart feels. Then I reflect back on why it’s such a big empty spot. Brian always lived life to the fullest and I was lucky enough to go along for multiple road trips a year. Houghton Lake,Mullet lake ,Higgins Lake, and of course the U. P. Duck camp where we watched the Spartans block Michigan’s punt to win the game. ( Go Green!) So many great memories that drive the sadness right out of my heart Thanks Bro Love you TK
Jackie Royale
April 10, 2021 at 2:44 pmThat was beautiful, Troy!
Jamie Wyman
April 10, 2021 at 8:53 pmGena, I am so sorry for your loss. I pray for strength and peace in these upcoming hours, days, and weeks. Brian was a great guy with a contagious smile. I’m so thankful that i got the opportunity to meet him. I will forever cherish the memories. Hugs to you and your family.
Joann Sauceda
April 10, 2021 at 10:00 pmSauceda/Mata Family are heartbroken for a Good Men has left, It was a Privileged -and Honor to have had as a neighbor Brian through the years – Always friendly. I remember my grandkids when 5-7 yrs old /the older hit his little brother, Brian corrected him right there- he shown concern and he corrected him – That touch me/ My grandkids looked up to him even now at 17-19 yrs, Letting my Sons/grandkids fish on his pond- Taking your walk with Gina-Pepe was a daily view. I had a dilemma with our pond and driveway/ In prayer (this was between the LORD and I) I ask the Lord for his help /2-3 months past and Brian makes a statement we are going to fix that – thought nothing of it- 1- month later Saturday morning he comes over and tells Dave we can fix that let’s do it/ Dave comes asked for money and he takes off to purchase the material needed for this big problem – and it was DONE // ONLY BRIAN knew how. When snow Storms hit-Brian plowed us out w/his big tractor- these are just some of many-times Brian touched our lives..My heart aches for Gina-Pepe and his Mom and his Sons – My Prayers will be with ALL of them. BRIAN WILL ALWAYS BE IN OUR HEARTS:: Gone but NEVER Forgotten.
Jamie and Tim Danley
April 11, 2021 at 9:18 amGena and family,
We are so so sorry for your loss. When we heard the news we were heartbroken. We are thinking of you and sending love and prayers.
Arnie Rios
April 11, 2021 at 9:50 amWords cannot express my sadness. Brian was one of my closest & dearest friends. Just recently we were planning
our next chapter of retirement in the electrical field.
We shared our jobs together at LFD. Our bond was instant . Just 2 weeks in I was ready to quit, this was not the job for me. Brian wouldn’t hear of it & did his best to talk me out of it all the way to & back from training in S.C. Years later, we both ended up retiring from LFD. I will forever be grateful for his persistance & friendship.
We took many vacations together, both work & play. One particular trip will forever be etched in my mind. We were in TX clearing rats out of my parents orchard. Brian had the brilliant idea of buying CO2 powered BB guns with lazer beams. He would shine the red dot on those rats high in the trees & one by one pop them down. Unbeknown to me, Brian had found a small stuffed toy rabbit. He aimed carefully up into the tree, shot and at the same time, threw that bunny hitting me squarely in the shoulder. I ran, screaming like a baby. Brian, while laughing hysterically, proudly displayed & propped his 30 rats in a box, as in hunting trophies. He then took photos & sent to Gina knowing how happy she would be with his hunting skills!!
I am proud & happy to have known Brian. So many memories that will never be forgotten. My heart grieves for Gina, Adam, Alex , Austin & all who had the privledge & honor of knowing this truly one of a kind great man. Until we meet again, RIP my dear friend. Arnie
Glen and Marilyn Zeerip
April 11, 2021 at 10:52 amTo the entire Gaukel family, we would like to express our sympathy for your loss. Know that you are in our thoughts and we are praying God will give you peace, comfort, and strength at this difficult time.
Greg Hammond
April 11, 2021 at 2:34 pmMy deepest condolences for the Gaukel family. I have known Brian since the Grand Ledge EMS , Lansing Mercy days. He was a joy to be around. Over the years our contact with each other grew apart just because we were living life. But, when I ran into Brian it was just like yesterday. It was a privilege to know him.
My prayers and thoughts are with your family.
David and Suzanne Wardell
April 11, 2021 at 5:29 pmWe would like to give our heartfelt sorrows to Gena and all of the Gaukel family. Words can’t describe the feelings we have for Brian.
As a lucky member of that Palmer/Weger neighborhood, us kids did everything together for years. Our friendships did not end after high school. I was lucky enough to move out and live with Brian in our early 20’s. I got to move in with him when he bought his first house. It was never a dull moment during that time in our life. From the trips to the U.P, Daytona Beach, Atlantic City and others he was always a willing participant. As every ones lives changed over time our friendship never did.
I had the privilege of spending my summer weekends with Brian and his family at Houghton Lake for many years. I would spend many early mornings fishing with Bill and Adam. A few years into this voyage I married Suzanne. They all welcomed her in as family. A short time after that my folks spent their summers at the same campground. We would all sit around a campfire and reminisce about old times. Our parents were shocked to hear about some of our adventures.
When Suzanne and I eloped in Las Vegas, of course our sidekicks were Brian and Gena. It seemed like every morning when we got up and went to breakfast we would pass Brian heading up from the crap tables for a little R &R after winning big. With his winnings he paid for our hotel accommodations.
The best of times for so many of us was the time we spent duck hunting up north. It all started in the 80’s with us kids heading to Cheboygan with our Dads. After the Dads bowed out we continued the fun. We would start talking/planning the trip as the summer days drew to an end. I spent many mornings watching the news and drinking coffee with Brian and Norm, trying to solve all the worlds issues. There was so much fun and laughter during this annual trip.
That neighborhood was and continues to be special part to all of us. We became one big family. I feel I lost a brother and I am sure many of our parents feel they lost a son. RIP BROTHER.
Love Ya
David and Suzanne Wardell
Trixie France
April 11, 2021 at 11:24 pmWell said Dave and Suzanne. So fortunate to have these great friendships, but the bittersweet part is how great the hurt is.
Kandi Tufnell
April 12, 2021 at 11:26 amMy heart goes out to Gena, the boys and the rest of Brian’s family. I am so sorry for your loss. Brian was one of the sweetest guys I have ever had the greatest pleasure of knowing. He had the greatest smile and grin of all time. We were friends many many years ago while the annual Christmas parties were still going on. I had the pleasure of one of those Silver Lake trips with the jeeps and Larry. We didn’t last long at the dunes due to an accident but he was so great and kind and I will never forget it.
Brian, you may be gone but you will forever be in the hearts of so many. Fly High my friend!
Kevin West
April 12, 2021 at 11:42 amDear Gaukel family, as so many others have written, I too am shocked and saddened to hear of Brian’s passing.
I had the pleasure of working with Brian at LFD for a number of years and especially recall our times working as Medics on the ambulance. In such a pressure filled and stressful setting it is possible to begin to begin to just show up, do your job and psychologically detach from what you are doing at times, partly due to the fatigue and stress that are constant, but also to try to shield yourself emotionally from much of what you see and try to fix, especially when you can’t…I never saw Brian do that. He kept showing up, ready to make a difference in people’s crisis events, and even when we couldn’t fix what had gotten broken in their lives, he approached the following call with that same intention. That is a special gift to the people he served. Rest in peace friend.
Preston Renz
April 12, 2021 at 12:20 pmMy sincerest condolences to Gena and everyone else in the Gaukel family. I can’t even imagine how difficult things must be, but I pray you’ll find the strength to endure.
Judy Renz
April 13, 2021 at 11:40 amThank you Preston for your prayers it is such a great loss. I am thinking of you at this time. Love you Grandma Renz.
KenSaville
April 12, 2021 at 1:03 pmMy deepest condolences to Brian’s family and friends. I’ve played hockey with and against Brian for years and have always appreciated his kindness, camaraderie, and sense of humor. He is greatly missed.
Marilyn Bischoff
April 12, 2021 at 2:27 pmBrian was a true friend to my two sons. I have heard many stories, including him, from Cedarville camp.
He will be greatly missed by all of us.
My heart goes out to Gena and the Gaukel family
Joe Zimmerman
April 12, 2021 at 3:18 pmBrian helped save my life, I know he touched many of my hockey friends lives deeply and I will always be grateful for him.
Cris and Sara Morrison
April 12, 2021 at 3:31 pmOur heartfelt sympathy to Brian’s Family and his Fire Family. Cris enjoyed working with Brian and I went to school with him. We never remember him without a smile on his face. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Cris and Sara Morrison
Marlene Decker
April 15, 2021 at 10:17 amMy heart goes out to the Gaukel family. I feel for you Joan. No parent should have to go through the burial of their children. Please accept my condolences. I will keep you in my prayers.