Gerald "Nick" J. Pung

Gerald “Nick” John Pung, of Westphalia, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on October 24, 2023 at the age of 82. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he was a beacon of faith to his family and friends and he filled their lives with love and laughter. Gerald was a lifetime member of St. Mary’s Parish in Westphalia and a member of the St. Joseph Society. He proceeded to show his commitment to his faith through leading the rosary, serving as a Eucharistic Minister, ushering at mass, and serving on the finance committee for the parish. Gerald was a devoted member of the Knights of Columbus Council #2890 since 1960 where he was a 3rd Degree Knight and also a past Grand Knight. Gerald answered the call to serve his country in the Michigan National Guard from 1958-1966. He was a cancer and heart disease survivor, often paying it forward by donating blood. He valued working hard as a lifetime farmer and construction worker. Gerald was proud of his successful career working as a Union Carpenter in the construction building industry. He oversaw many construction projects in the state of Michigan from start to completion and took the time to train new crew members. Following his retirement, he found time to travel with his wife, Mary Ann, visiting many places in the United States and Europe. Though he was often found working hard or cutting wood for his wood burner, Gerald also enjoyed watching and feeding birds, bowling, and playing softball. His greatest joy in life was his family, he loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They made countless memories over the years, many of these while playing various card games, attending sporting events, and celebrations. As Gerald used to say, “Measure twice, cut once”, a motto by which he lived by.

Preceding Gerald in death are his parents, Leo and Josephine (Smith) Pung; father and mother-in-law, Alex and Bernita Vitek; brothers-in-law, Robert Vitek and Glen Hinkley; and sister-in-law, Jackie Pung. Surviving are his beloved wife of 60 years, Mary Ann Pung; children, Alan (Robin) Pung, Geri Pennell, Jeff (Pam) Pung, and Patti (Bryan) Fowler; grandchildren, Alex, Allison, Rana, Joel (Kara), Brent, Ryan, Jacob, Rachel (Nate), and Brittany; great-grandchildren, Savannah, Cameron, and Ember; brother, Ron Pung; sister, Mary (Leon) Theis; Vitek in-laws, Ray (Sharon) Vitek, John (Camilla) Vitek, Agnes “Marie” (Bob) Showers, Dee Hinckley, Rich (Marilyn) Vitek, Larry Vitek, Jane Vitek, and Diane (John) Wemlinger; sister-in-law, Cindy; and many nieces and nephews.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Eric Weber at 10:00 a.m., Friday, October 27, 2023 at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Westphalia. Rite of Committal will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. On Thursday, the rosary will be prayed at 3:30 p.m. and the family will receive visitors from 4-8 p.m. at the St. Mary’s Funeral Chapel, 210 N. Westphalia Street, Westphalia. The family will also receive visitors at the funeral chapel on Friday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service. For those wishing, contributions may be made to St. Mary’s School in honor of Gerald. Arrangements are entrusted to Lehman Funeral Homes. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.

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