Mawrisio "John" Vasquis Gatica

Age 76, of Mt. Morris, died Sunday, May 19, 2024, at home surrounded by his family. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00am, Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Flint. Fr. Carl Simon to officiate, with burial to follow at Great Lakes National Cemetery. Mawrisio’s family will be present to receive friends from 11:00am to 8:00pm, on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at Martin Funeral, Cremation & Tribute Services. At 7:00pm, family, friends, and parish will gather to pray the Rosary. On Wednesday morning, Mawrisio will be taken to church to lie in state from 10:00am until the time of service at 11:00am. Expressions of sympathy may be placed on Mawrisio’s tribute wall at martinfuneralhome.com.

Mawrisio “John” was born in Saginaw on January 3, 1948, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Felix and Epiphania (Vasquis) Gatica. Educated locally, John attended Beecher High School. Heeding the call of duty, John enlisted into the United States Army on October 22, 1968, and proudly served during the Vietnam War. While serving, Specialist Mawrisio “John” Gatica earned his National Defense Service Medal, Marksmanship - M-14, Sharpshooter - M-16, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and two Overseas Service Bars. Specialist Mawrisio “John” Gatica received his honorable discharge on May 25, 1970. John met the love of his life, Shirley Fursiter, and the two were united in marriage on November 3, 1969. Upon his return to the States, John started his career working at General Motors where he worked on the Assembly Line until his retirement. John enjoyed drinking his Grey Goose Vodka and orange juice that he kept mixed in the refrigerator. He loved woodworking and building things with his hands. John could often be seen fishing in the U.P. in Seney at the duck refuge. John loved to spend time with his family and enjoyed taking his nieces and nephews camping as well as going on casino trips with his cousins, especially to the Paradise Casino. John loved “cheating” at poker while playing with his family and playing croquet in the yard. He had a fantastic sense of humor and loved spending time with his family. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather and will be greatly missed.

Left to cherish John’s memory are his beloved wife of 54 years, Shirley; children: Tanya (Ricky), Candice, Michelle (Anthony); grandchildren: Courtney (Justin), Ashley (Nate), Zack (Autumn), Chanz, Chase; great-grandchildren: Caleb, Ryker, Ava, Myla, Nola; sisters: Connie (Mike), Gloria; brother, Felix (Ester); several nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

John was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers and seven sisters.