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’s hobbies included golfing, hunting, fishing and spending the winter months in Ruskin, FL. Most importantly, he treasured his time spent with family and friends, especially his 2 granddaughters, Kelsie and Karlie.
Garry’s sense of humor and positive outlook, even during his time of illness, was treasured by all who knew him and was truly an inspiration to family and friends.
In addition to his wife Barbara, survivors include:
1 son: Todd (Tina) Hess of Rolling Meadows, IL.
1 daughter: Sheri Walraven of Haslett, MI
1 sister: Jan (Bill) Wahl of Bloomfield Hills, MI
2 granddaughters: Kelsie and Karlie Walraven of Haslett, MI
Mother-in-law: Lucille Larsen of Escanaba
Sister-in-law: Nancy (Lynn) Egbert of Lansing, MI
3 nephews: Evan and Conor Wahl of Bloomfield Hills, MI and Chip (Brianna) Egbert of Grand Ledge, MI
1 niece: Kristi Clemens of Washington, D.C.
He was preceded in death by his father, Grant L. Hess on September 2, 1988 and his mother Lois Hess on December 25, 2002.
Garry's family would especially like to thank Dr. Nsour and the staff of the Marquette Medical Clinic,Dr's Park office.
Garry’s family will receive friends on Friday December 15, 2006 from 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. at the Memorial United Methodist Church in Gladstone. Funeral services celebrating the life and resurrection of Garry L. Hess will follow at 4:00 P.M. at the Memorial United Methodist Church with Rev. Jackie Roe and Rev. Joanne Bartelt officiating. A luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall. Upon the family’s request, everyone is invited to the committal services on Saturday morning at 9:00 A.M. at the Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone. Memorial contributions honoring the memory of Garry may be directed to the Memorial United Methodist Church and to the Delta County Cancer Alliance, envelopes will be available at the church or the Skradski-Boyce Family Funeral Homes.
