Garry L. Hess, age 64, of 8909 Q Road; Gladstone, MI died unexpectedly Tuesday morning December 12, 2006 at home of an apparent heart attack.
Garry was born July 14, 1942 in Benton Harbor, MI the son of Grant and Lois (Schmaltz) Hess. Garry was raised and attended school in Benton Harbor through the eighth grade when his family subsequently moved to Gladstone. Garry was a 1960 graduate of the Gladstone High School and while at Gladstone he participated in football and golf. Garry was named to the All UP State Golf Team and was named U.P. Golf Champion his senior year. He continued his education at Northern Michigan University in Marquette where he received his B.S. Degree in Business in 1964. Garry married his college sweetheart, the former Barbara Larsen, on August 22, 1964 at the Memorial United Methodist Church in Gladstone. They lived in Rapid River until 1972 when they built their current home on the North Bluff in Gladstone. Garry was a valued employee at such distinguished companies as Harnischfeger Corporation, Standard Oil, Pisces Corporation, and retired from U.P. Electric Wittock Supply Company in 1999.
Garry was an active member of the Gladstone community where he was involved with the Gladstone Yacht Club, Gladstone Golf Club and the Gladstone Lions Club. He served on the Gladstone School Board for over 20 years, serving as President of the Board. Garry was also a member of the Memorial United Methodist Church in Gladstone where he served on the church council and was the Finance Chairman for over 15 years. Garry
Anonymous
Dear Barb, please except our heart felt condolences. We have many fond memories of the times we shared with you & Garry.
Jim & Bev Utt
San Benito, TX
Working with Jan for several years, I spoke with Garry on the phone numerous times. Although I never met him in person, I feel like he was a good friend. I am so sorry for your loss.
JoAnn Harris
Northville, MI
Dear Barb and family,
I am so very sorry to hear about Gary. With deepest sympathy to you. I am going to miss seeing him in church.
Adele Bishop
Cary, NC
Barb, Sheri, Todd and family, I was so saddened to hear of your loss. The memories that I have of time spent at your house will always be with me. Garry was a warm and gentle man who always had a smile for everyone. My prayers are with you all!!
Pete, Kelly, Christopher, Kasey, Nicolas, Marc, Kameron and Anna Rasmussen
Grand Rapids, MI
Dear Barbara and Jan:
Although we met Garry only once, we feel like we have known him for years as Jan kept us up to date on his condition. We did get to know his sense of humor and his love for his family. And, it is that which we will remember. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
With all our love,
Dusty and Karen
Angus & Karen Campbell
Bloomfield Hills, MI
My husband and I were very saddened to learn of Garry’s death. He was a wonderful man whom we had the pleasure of working with at US Cedar Products. No matter what,Garry always had a smile on his face and a kind word to give and was always willing to help out if he could. We will greatly miss him and always remember his smiling face. God Bless You Garry.
John & Debbie Binius
Escanaba, MI
Dear Barb and family,
I am so sorry to have heard of Garry’s passing today. He will be missed by the the community, his friends and old classmates. Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you.
Gerry Niedermaier
Milwaukee, WI
Dear Barb and Family, You are in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time. May it help you to know that others care and are praying for you and your family. Love and prayers,
Christine & Warren Groleau
Rapid River, MI
We are sending our heartfelt smypathy to the family of Garry Hess , He only passed by for a short time in our lives , he was a very positive person, and as a couple the only enhanced each other when together, May God Bless and Thankyou
Gerald and Vivian Ketcham
Gladstone, MI
Barb, Todd, Sheri and family,
My heart goes out to you during this time of sadness. Every time I saw Garry he had a great smile and a friendly hello to say. I will keep you in my prayers. God Bless!
Brenda Wiltzius
Kingsford, MI
We are so sorry to hear of Garry’s passing. We always remember Garry from the old days of school. Was nice to see you at class reunions. God will help you thru these tuff times. Deepest regards,
Mike and Judy Vanlerberghe
Neenah, WI
I know that Garry’s making the Angels in Heaven laugh right now. I remember when Garry and I attended a hipnosis weight loss program several years ago, we couldn’t even look at each other for fear of hysterical laughter. My prayers are with all of you.
Cousin Jane (Alexander)
Commerce Twp., MI
Mrs. Hess, Sheri and Todd
I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Hess (Gare). My prayers are with all of you at this time. He was an awesome man and I am sure he will be missed by many. Again I am sorry. Take care.
Bruce Camps
Jacksonville, FL
It was with deep sadness that I was told of the passing of my friend. I am grateful we took the time to sit down and talk at Todd’s wedding in July – that is etched in my memory and although I am filled with grief, I can manage a smile. From the mouths of children, may we find as much peace and comfort as we can to help us manage the loss. As I sat on the floor at the foot of my son Nathan’s bed this evening, (4 years old) I told him we were going to drive to Escanaba to visit one of dad’s friends who went to Heaven. With pure innocence he said, “well, if we stop by Jesus’ house to see your friend, can we pick up our cat, Pearl, and bring her back with us.” Hm, I don’t know whether to laugh or cry.
Garry’s will to live and his love of life, despite horrific battles with cancer, defined his character. It’s the same character and conviction I’d like to have for myself and teach my children. So Garry, thank you teaching us all a little bit about life. May God comfort you my friend.
Michael Johnson Family
Appleton, WI
Dear Barbara and family,
We were saddened to read in the Press that Garry has passed away. We want to express our heartfelt sympathy to you and to Jan. We know he is in a better place – free from pain and illness. We will keep you in our prayers.
Dr. Carl and Marilyn Olson
Palm Harbor, FL
I just wanted to say I’m very sorry for your loss. I got to know Garry about 15 years ago and always enjoyed seeing his smiling face coming my way. Even when Garry was dealing with his medical concerns he always had a great attitude. He was an excellent person and delivered a lot of joy to all he knew… I wish the world had more Garry’s… Very sorry for your loss, but I’m very happpy I got to know this wonderful man… My deepest regards.
Todd Beauchamp
Escanaba, MI
We were sorry to hear about Gary’s passing. Thinking about him brought back many fond memories of our short friendship during his NMU days. Our thought and prayers are with your family.
Richard & Jeanne Lauzon
Milford, MI
Barb and Family: I dont know what to say except that Garry was such a wonderful man. I have so many wonderful memories of him, as a patient in physical therapy and as my friend. I just saw him last week at the dentist office and despite his bum shoulder he was still so very full of life. I will miss his spirit so much. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Love,
Kelly Florenski
Gladstone, MI
Barb, Sherri, Todd,
I was deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Garry. He was a man that I looked up to all of my life. I can remember lots of rounds of golf with Garry and my dad. I also admired him for so many years dedicated to kids in Gladstone as a member of the school board. As everyone did we loved Garry for his sense of humor.
Later in life I always looked forward to seeing Garry and Barb on the 4th at my parents or at Christmas at your house and usually in Florida in the winter. He always took a true interest in what was going on in my life with job, wife and kids, etc. And, of course, there was always kidding around and a few laughs. We will all miss him very much.
Mark Johnson
Lansing, MI
The Hess Family
Sorry to hear about Gary. It was nice to see him at my parents 50th anniversary party. I’ll always remember his good nature and permanent smile. (Except when the Packers lost to the Lions-which wasn’t very often!)
Pat Kaski and Family
Pat Kaski
Marquette, MI
Sorry to hear about Garry’s passing. The sight of his picture brough back so many wonderful memories from the days at Northern. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Richard & Jeanne Lauzon
Milford, MI
Dear Barb,
We were sadden to read on today’s internet version of the Daily Press of Garry’s passing, our thoughts and prayers will be with you now and in the coming months.
Herb & Joni Heger
Kewadin, MI
Barb, Sheri and Todd
Garry is someone I’m glad I had the chance to know. I always loved his sense of humor. Garry was always good for a few laughs. Thoughts and Prayers to the Family.
Traci(Valentine) Denome
Escanaba, MI
Dave and I want to express to Barbara and her family how sorry we were to hear about Garry. We only knew Garry for a little while here at Hawaiian Isles in Florida, but he made a spot in our lives. Always so happy, nothing kept him down. He will be sorley missed by all of us.
Dave and Kathy McDonald
Ruskin, FL
Sheri, Kelsie & Karlie,
Sorry to hear about your Dad/Grandfather. I am glad I got a chance to meet him at the Portland Basketball Tourn. We will be thinking about you and praying for you.
The Szedlak’s – Tom, Leigh, Catie, Ryan & Shannon
Haslett, MI
The fond memories I have of good times growing up around the Hess house are uncountable. I am deeply saddened to hear of Gary’s sudden passing, but know that he is in a better place. My thoughts and prayers are with Barb, Sheri, Todd and the rest of the family.
Major Gregg Easterbrook
Hampton, VA
So sorry to hear of Gary’s passing,it was a pleasure knowing and working with him as well as his father.
Fred and MAry Shaw
San Diego, CA
I was stunned to hear about Garry’s death and my thoughts and prayers are with Barb and her family. I have so many fond memories of Garry it’s hard to point out just a few but the thing that always comes to mind when I think about him, was his wonderful laugh and smile. He was always so much fun to be around. He was such a giving person and will be missed by all.
Beth Robinson
Chillicothe, OH
You have my deepest sympathy. It sure was nice seeing you both at Hardees in Marquette a few months ago. I miss working with Garry and many, many years ago working with Todd. Take care and my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love Renee
Renee Jenshak
Bark River, MI
My thoughts and prayers are with the Hess family.
I will always remember the family coming in thru the years for pizza….Garry asking Barb what was that we have??:-)) When Keith and Sherry were in school, having little chit-chats.
Sorry for your loss.
Gloria
Gladstone, MI
I just wanted to express my condolences. I have nothing but good memories of your family growing up. I remember ‘Mr. Hess’ as a wonderfully generous and jovial man. I very rarely remember him without a smile… My best memories would be the annual Fourth of July party that we would attend with my parents (John and Suann [Smith] Foster).
I will remember him most fondly, as I will all of you, for your kindness and sincerity when mom passed many years ago. I remember sitting at Mack’s Bar outside of Rapid River and listening to some pretty terrific stories. I cannot tell you how much that helped get through such a difficult time. Your kindness and generosity will never be forgotten.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Beth (Foster) DePauw
Sparta, MI
Sheri,
Dana and I are thinking of you.
Mary Johns
Lansing, MI
Dear Barb and family
Les & I would like to express Our Deepest Sympathy. He sure put up a great fight for life. We’ll always remember his smile. His soul is SAFE & FREE to live with God through ETERNITY. AMEN
Les and Linda Delvaux
Gladstone, MI
Working with Jan for several years, I spoke with Gary on the phone numerous times. Although I never met him in person, I feel like he was a good friend. I am so sorry for your loss.
JoAnn Harris
Northville, MI