Gary (PA) lived and loved for 90 years before he passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family. All 6 kids and his bride were present. His long and meaningful life was filled with love, hard work, family traditions, and countless memories that will be cherished for years to come.

For 70 wonderful years, Gary was married to the love of his life, Carol. Together they built a life and a family filled with love, laughter, and memories that will endure for generations. Their 70 years of marriage were a beautiful testament to devotion, companionship, and a love that stood the test of time.

Family was the heart of Pa’s life. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He took great pride in their six children and their wonderful spouses, 16 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren. Pa’s greatest joy was watching his family grow and spending time with the people he loved. His humor, wisdom, stories, laughter, and unconditional love will remain a treasured part of their lives.

Gary was a carpenter and builder of custom homes as a career. But he used those skills lifelong as he helped families, friends and neighbors with projects and advice. Pa was also a lover of horses. He found a special kind of peace and happiness around them.

Gary leaves behind a beautiful legacy in the family he and Carol built and the many lives he touched. He will be remembered for his deep love of family, his devotion to Carol, his appreciation for horses, his enthusiasm for football, and the many lessons and memories he passed down to those who were fortunate enough to know him. 

Though he is no longer with us, his presence will live on in every family gathering, every story shared, and every football game watched together. 

Any donations will be used toward Gary’s bench and trees being created alongside a horse pasture in his honor at themanemission.com.

He was deeply loved, and will be deeply missed.