Obituary of Bruce J. Coats

Bruce J. Coats of Casa Grande AZ formerly of Millington Michigan, age 66, passed away with his sisters at his side after a long courageous battle with Cancer for the last 4 years. He was a fighter and took this on like he did everything in life. He was born to the late Donald and Beatrice (Reda) Coats on June 16, 1959 in Saginaw Michigan. He attended Frankenmuth school, graduating in 1977. He worked the carnival circuit selling corn dogs from a very young age and traveled the country. He settled in Casa Grande Arizona where he served as a prison guard in Florence for about 10 years, then started his own tile company. He was a master tile artist and many homes and businesses in Arizona and Michigan display his beautiful work today. He loved riding his Harley and his ATV with his beloved “Ginger” at his side. He spent his summers in Michigan helping his sister garden and can. He was a member of the Gyro club and for over 20 years camped with the guys and served as their cook. 

He is survived by his three sisters, Donna Zwerk of Harrison Michigan, Debra (Dan) Geyer, Manchester MI, and Katy Matzke-Craig of Millington MI; an uncle; three aunts; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews that adored their “Uncle Bruce”. He will be sorely missed by his many friends in Arizona, two that were brothers to him, Pat Ryan and Mike Ott. Bruce’s wishes were to be cremated with a private graveside burial next to his nephew Joshua Donald Matzke who predeceased him in 2012. Bruce was also predeceased by his brother-in-law, Gary Zwerk in 2010. 

A gathering of friends and family will be held at Katy’s home, 4475 Swaffer Rd, Vassar MI, Saturday, October 4, 2025, starting at 1 p.m. For details, please call either Katy or Donna. It was Bruce's wish for no donations. 

The family would like to thank everyone for their prayers and support during our time of loss and a special thank you to The Care Team Hospice for the care and kindness given to Bruce.  To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com  Arrangements made with the Cremation Society of Mid Michigan.