Paul Gerhardt Kugler

Paul Gerhardt Kugler, 87, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at Hanson Hospice Center in Stevensville.

A funeral service will be held 11 AM Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 5791 Sawyer Rd, Sawyer, MI 49125. Friends may meet with the family from 5-7 PM on Monday, August 4, 2025 at Pike Funeral and Cremation Services, Boyd Chapel, 9191 Red Arrow Hwy., Bridgman, MI 49106. Burial will be in New Troy Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to Trinity Lutheran Church in Sawyer. Online condolences accepted at www.PikeFH.com.

Paul was born in Three Oaks on June 6, 1938, son of the late Hugo and Ida (Strefling) Kugler. He was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Sawyer where he met and married Colleen Klahn on July 12, 1975.

Paul began his farming career at a young age and assisted his family with many chores on the farm. After graduating from New Troy High School in 1956, he pursued his passion of being a farmer along with his parents at Kugler Farms and later with his brother. He was also a school bus driver with the River Valley School District for several years. Shortly thereafter, Paul created the successful business of Kugler Trucking in which he hauled grain, stone and fertilizer. Throughout his life, he was admired for his strong work ethic and steadfast dedication to his family.

He will be remembered for his soulful laughter, sense of humor, and his love for sweets. He was known around the area for being an amazing polka dancer and was proud to teach his daughters how to polka when they were just toddlers. Paul loved conversing with local farmers about the weather and the crops but he could also strike up a conversation with a perfect stranger and laugh along with them like he had known them for years. He loved all of his pets as well as the animals in the wild. No animal ever went hungry around the farm and his pets were always excited to see him as he usually brought them treats from his outings as well as from the farm shows.

Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Colleen; four daughters: Joy (Chris) Monico, Cheri (Daren) Thomas, Sara (Chad) Lowery, and Paula (Joe) Pobocik; ten adored grandchildren: Ava, Nicholas, Logan, Gillian, Aiden, Brooke, Addison, Claire, Serenity, and Griffin; sister, Elaine (Lee) Dinges; brother, Roger (Carol) Kugler; a host of nieces and nephews; and his two best dog pals: Snickers and Max.

Paul was also preceded in death by his daughter, Mary Rose; and a sister, Lila.

We would like to thank his personal caregivers Jacquie and Stefani, the staff at Corewell Hospice at Home, and the staff at Hanson Hospice Center for their care, compassion and guidance.

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