Gordon R. Bushong

Gordon R. Bushong age 92 of Gladwin, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 26, 2026, at Navarre Gardens, Navarre, Florida. Gordon was born January 30, 1933, in Hastings, Michigan, the son of Dorothy L. (Townsend) Bushong and Frank W. Bushong. Gordon was united in marriage to the love of his life, Ms. Iris Marie Voelker on June 25, 1955, at St. James Catholic Church, Ferndale, Michigan. Gordon, Iris and their young family moved to rural Gladwin in 1971 from West Bloomfield, Michigan.

Gordon was a “salt of the earth” man. Solid. You knew where you stood with him, and if you didn’t… he would tell you. Gordon was a Master Plumber at DOW to provide for his large family. An avid outdoorsman, he loved being outside. He enjoyed farming with his family and hunting with his sons, grandsons and friends. Riding motorcycles, tractors, dune buggies, boats and even used to race snowmobiles and hydroplanes as a young father. Tractor shows, air shows and antique car shows were a favorite pastime too. Gordon was a great athlete, he taught his children swimming, all sports and skating. Gordon was an excellent dancer; he was a lot of fun with an infectious laugh. He didn’t know a stranger, and would help his family, friends and neighbors without hesitation. Gordon was young at heart and truly loved life!

Above all Gordon was a loving and devoted husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great grandfather and friend. Gordon was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife of 50 years – Iris Marie Bushong, his sister Nellie (Bushong) Carnell, brother Henry “Ed” Bushong and brother Frank Bushong. Mr. Bushong is survived by his five children; Michael Bushong and wife Wilda of Harrison, Michigan, Gordon Bushong Jr. and wife Keeley of Bay City, Michigan, Jeffrey Bushong and wife Robin of New Hudson, Michigan, Ronald Bushong and wife Jeri of Honor, Michigan and Harrison and Elise (Bushong) Preston and husband Steven Preston of Navarre, Florida, his 12 Grandchildren; Brian Bushong, wife Charity Ann, Amanda (Bushong) Northrup, husband Mike, Katharine “Katie” (Bushong) Bublitz, husband Dave, Benjamin “Ben” Bushong, wife Bridgette, Andrew Bushong, Kelley (Bushong) Randall, husband Philip, Lindsay (Bushong) Block, husband David, Rebecca Bushong with Mark Layne, Beth Bushong, with Chris Klomparens, Jeron Bushong, wife Nikki, Michael Esquitin, wife Morgan, Matthew Preston, with Elliana Fox, his 21 Great Grandchildren; Isabel, Colin, Brian, Abigail, Dylan, Grace, Raeliegh, Gi’onna, Amari, Scarlett, Kori, Armonte’, Emmett, Parker, Cassidy, Olivia, Kylee, Logan, Christian, Dominic and Brooks, one Great-Great Grandchild, Julius.

Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. visitation will take place at Clark-Stocking Funeral Chapel and Cremation Service, 165 W. Oak St., Harrison, with a rosary and prayer service at 7:00 p.m. concluding with your memories. Visitation will resume on Friday, February 6, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until time of Mass. Friday, February 6, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. a Funeral Mass for Gordon will be held St. Athanasius Catholic Church, 310 S. Broad St., Harrison with Rev. Father J. Marcel Portelli presiding. A luncheon and time of sharing immediately following the funeral Mass at St. Athanasius Catholic Church, Fellowship Hall. Rite of burial will follow luncheon and Mass at St. Athanasius Catholic Cemetery, Harrison. Memorial gifts in memory of Gordon may be considered to: St. Athanasius Catholic Church or Gentiva Hospice. Memorial envelopes will be available at the funeral home and church. To share an online memory or condolence with Gordons family, please visit: www.clarkstocking.com. Arrangements for Mr. Bushong are entrusted with Clark-Stocking Funeral Chapel and Cremation Service 989-539-7810.