Gary
Gary Zantello
Gary passed away peacefully Friday, September 1, 2017 at his home, under the care of his loving wife and family.
He was born July 8, 1942 in Battle Creek, the 3
rd
child of Raymond and Ada (Stratton) Zantello. Waiting for Gary at home was his brother Ramon, who became his idol, and his sweet sister Juanita. Eleven years later Gary became a big brother to little sister Nancy. When he was three years old, the family moved to Alamo, where his dad started Ray’s Garage. Gary often said he had the best childhood ever, from soap box derbies to sliding down Alamo’s south hill with his brother Ray and good friend Jack Kisinger.
Gary attended a one room school house until he entered high school. His favorite sport was football, where he played full back and was captain his senior year. He was the recipient of Otsego’s Nubert award for best player. Gary grew up in a singing family. He had a wonderful, soft voice and had belonged to a quartet and choir in high school. He graduated from Otsego High School in 1960 and then attended LaMar Barber College in Detroit and barbered for 5 years. He also worked part time on the Otsego Police Department. Later, Gary worked as a machinist at Eaton (Fuller) until they closed. Gary then began working for the Perrigo Company where he worked for over 20 years, retiring as a supervisor.
Gary met Sandra McLaughlin during his senior year at Otsego and they went on their 1
st
date in January of 1960. They were engaged in May of 1962 and married June 8, 1963. They were blessed with a daughter, Theresa (Terri) in 1964, the apple of her father’s eye. They were blessed again in 1967 with daughter Debra (Debi).
When Gary was first married, he played lots of baseball, and he also enjoyed golfing for many years. He was a volunteer fireman with the Otsego Fire Department from 1972 to 1991 and served as Fire Chief for three years. He enjoyed his time on the department and, along with his wife, made many friends. Due to his love of football, he became an official, and over 25 years he officiated many high school and semi pro games. Anyone who knew Gary knew he was a lifelong U of M fan! He loved his neighbors, and along with Mike and Dana, he began an annual neighborhood block party 6 years ago. The party has taken place every year since. More than anything, he loved his family, and he especially enjoyed driving his grandsons around town on his tractor.
Survivors include his wife, Sandra; daughters, Terri (Brad Smith) Zantello and Debi Zantello; grandsons, Tyler Nowak, Matthew (Lyndsey) Nowak and Zachary Landrum; great-grandson, Bryce Nowak; siblings Ramon (Karla) Zantello and Nancy (David Smith) Zantello; mother-in-law, Betty McLaughlin; brother-in-law, Mike Pearson and 2 nieces and 8 nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Juanita VanSparrentak; father-in-law, Kenneth McLaughlin and sister-in-law, Patricia Pearson.
Friends may meet with Gary’s family from 2-4 and from 6-8 P.M., Tuesday, September 5, 2017 at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego where a funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, September 6, 2017 with Celebrant Bill Rose officiating.
Burial will follow at Alamo Center Cemetery.
Contributions in memory of Gary may be made to
Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan
.
Messages of condolence may be posted at
WinkelFuneralHome.com.
Offer Condolence for the family of Gary Zantello
Condolence Messages
Bob Leonard
September 1, 2017 at 11:49 pm
Nancy and girls, I am sorry I wasn’t there for you ,
Reply
Charlie & Pam McQueer
September 1, 2017 at 11:59 pm
Sandy and girls. We were honored to call Gary our friend. He truly had a kind heart and served his family and community with pride in his contribution to the Otsego Fire Dept. His pride and love for his family was very obvious and we know he has touched many lives ours as well. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time and we will see you soon.
Charlie and Pam McQueer
Reply
Tim and Marcia Quigley
September 2, 2017 at 8:29 am
Sandy and Family,
We send our love and prayers to you. Please keep your memories close and remember Gary is now an Angel in Heaven watching over you!
Reply
Ruth Ann Smith
September 2, 2017 at 9:36 am
Dear Sandy, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I understand how heartbreaking and difficult this has been for you. George & I always loved our times together when you and Gary were visiting Terri & Brad in the T.C. area. Those are sweet memories. Let family and friends help you during this sad time. I will be in touch soon.
Love & Hugs, Ruth Ann Smith
Reply
Christine Callender
September 2, 2017 at 9:42 am
I met Gary while I was working in the Security Dept for Perrigo. And I always knew that if I had any issues with his area, he would always be available to help me in any way he could. He was a wonderful person and I am glad I had the honor to know him.
Prayers going up for you and your family during this difficult time.
Reply
Nancy
September 2, 2017 at 9:46 am
I already miss you so much. Thank you for everything. There are too many to mention. I love you.
Reply
David Rantz
September 2, 2017 at 10:06 am
Hey folks I so sorry to here about Gary. I got to know Gary when he was a ref. He was a very good ref and very fair. When I joined the Plainwell Fire Dept. I grew up in working a lot of fires with Gary when our Departments would be assisting one another. I also worked for Plainwell Ambulance and worked many medical/ crashes with Gary and was always the professional I learned a lot about the 1st responder job from men like Gary. My best to you may he Rest In Peace.
Reply
Bill Bower
September 2, 2017 at 10:31 am
Gary was one of the kindest nicest guys my wife and I ever knew.
Reply
Deana Hostetler
September 2, 2017 at 10:58 am
Many thoughts and prayers to you Sandy and family. Gary was my boss at Perrigo for a few years, great boss he was. We talked football cause he officiated a football game in B’dale when we played on the old field, it was raining and had become a big mud field, my son was ball boy and Gary would come give him a ball after every play and then told him what a great job he was doing keeping the balls clean and dry. Such a good memory and he was such a good person, you will be missed by so many Gary. So glad you are now at peace with God,,rest now my friend. Deana
Reply
Mary Worden
September 2, 2017 at 11:57 am
Sending love and prayers to Sandy and the entire family, my.thoughts are with you, Gary fought the good fight and is at peace, bless all of you. Mary Worden
Reply
Sara Haveman
September 2, 2017 at 11:59 am
Loving thoughts to Ray and family on the loss of your brother.
Reply
Sue Lindsey
September 2, 2017 at 12:41 pm
Sandy and family—- My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Hold onto the memories, they are so precious. Merl always enjoyed his visits with Gary while at your house for an appliance repair ! Keeping you and your family in my prayers…..
Reply
Becky Deaton
September 2, 2017 at 4:00 pm
Sandy, I’m so sorry to see that you and your family have suffered the loss of another loved one. God Bless you in the days ahead.
Reply
D.oger Mason
September 2, 2017 at 4:47 pm
I’m so sorry for your loss. Gary and I were the best buddies all the way through Alamo U and OHS. We went our separate ways but both served the public all of our lives in the Fire service and we both served with the Otsego City Police Department. I will miss him. we had such a great life. thruly a Happy Days life! RIP Gary!
Reply
Don & Sherry (Meacham) Hurlbut
September 2, 2017 at 5:42 pm
Dear Sandy and Family: I knew Gary for many years growing up in Alamo Township. He was always pleasant to be around. And, of course, Sandy you and I became friends in High School. You and Gary were blessed to have 50+ years of marriage. I enjoyed seeing you both when we had a barn sale at Mom’s in 2014. Gary and I reminisced about the good old days in Alamo and laughed a lot! Seeing you two together reflected the love you shared. May your many memories help you through difficult days. Don and I send our thoughts, prayers and hugs to you. RIP GARY…you will be missed.
Reply
John Oisten
September 2, 2017 at 7:09 pm
I use to deliver his Kalamazoo. Gazzete he was caring man he will be missed.
Reply
Mike and Agnes Vanarsdal
September 2, 2017 at 7:34 pm
Sandy and Family,
Mike and my deepest sympathy.
May God’s almighty Grace help you through this difficult time.
Reply
Sherlene Belden
September 2, 2017 at 7:43 pm
Sandy and family, I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved Gary. I know you have many wonderful memories with him and that is something that will help you through this most difficult time. Sending prayers your way.
Reply
Jodie Bronkema
September 2, 2017 at 9:08 pm
Sandy and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you . I know how much he is loved and adored. I know you miss him terribly ! It was such an honor to know him even for such a short time ! Thank you for that privilege! Nurse Nancy you did an amazing job loving and caring for him every minute of everyday with your grandson Tyler’s help! You all are so very special ! I am happy that he is at peace! Sending prayers to you and wishing you peace in the days to come .
Reply
Lynn Bronkema
September 2, 2017 at 9:09 pm
Dear Sandy and Family.
So sorry for your loss of Gary. For all he has been thru now may he be at Peace. Praying for You and Your Family for Comfort and Healing at this difficult time. May God Bless you All.
Reply
Bill & Brenda Standish
September 3, 2017 at 7:50 am
Gary’s smile and personality brightened up the room every time he walked in. Now there is another bright light in Heaven. He left us with some great memories as we send our thoughts and prayers to Sandy and all of his family.
Reply
DAVE AND SANDY HOLLAND
September 3, 2017 at 9:50 am
DEAR SANDY AND FAMILY,
SO VERY SORRY TO HEAR OF GARY’S PASSING, THESE ARE VERY HARD TIMES, NO WORDS CAN TAKE AWAY YOUR PAIN, YOU WERE A CUTE COUPLE AND HAVE SHARED MANY PRECIOUS YRS TOGETHER, THE MEMORIES WILL GIVE YOU COMFORT. DAVE HAS MANY MEMORIES OF GARY IN HIGH SCHOOL AS THEY PLAYED SPORTS TOGETHER! GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU, OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU
Reply
Susie (Hicks) Browne
September 3, 2017 at 3:41 pm
Sandy I am praying for your comfort, your strength, and most of all the Peace that passes all understanding.
Love you,
Susie
Reply
Mary Schuiteboer
September 3, 2017 at 8:25 pm
I’m so very sorry for your loss. I loved working with him. When asked,”how are you” his comment was always “fine as frogs hair”. I will never forget. ♡
Reply
Laura DenHarder
September 4, 2017 at 8:41 am
Dear Sandy Terri and Debi, so sorry to hear of Garys passing. I have very fond memories of working for him my short time at Perrigo. Not only did he help me get the job but took me under his wing, always watching out for his girls. prayers are with your family
Reply
Don Grubisich and Diane Worden Grubisich
September 4, 2017 at 10:16 am
I am one of Frank and Mary Worden’s daughters, and though I did not know Gary well, the entire Zantello family is our family, they are some of the very best people we know.. I have very fond memories of being in Alamo at Ray and Karla’s and at Walnut Way and being around all of the Zantello family for weddings and gatherings. Our condolences to Sandy and family, and Ray, we are thinking of you in this time, praying for you as you endure your loss..
Reply
Carl Hiemstra
September 4, 2017 at 6:45 pm
One of the four “Roses” no longer blooms. Gary was always a good friend. Love Louie
Reply
Cheryl and Ernie Green
September 4, 2017 at 9:11 pm
Sandy, You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. He was a very kind and sweet man. I always looked forward to seeing his smiling face when I worked with him at Perrigo. I know this has to be very difficult for you. I hope that you find comfort in the memories that you made with him.
Reply
Ellyn & Jim Deneau
September 5, 2017 at 10:36 am
I wouldn’t be where I am today, with my hubby of 28.5 years, without these two amazing people. Sandra Lee and “Pop” as I called Gary, are true treasures in my heart. Gary will be missed for his mischief, smiles, love, and directness. You are both loved so very much and I count Jim and I blessed to have been a part of
your world. Love, Ellyn and Jim Deneau
Reply
Mike and Char Andrus
September 5, 2017 at 10:55 am
Gary was always the guy who held people in high regard. He made so many friends at Perrigo because of his personality. I know he was behind the idea of having belly dancers come in on third shift to celebrate my birthday one year. He ended up dancing with them with his shirt off having a ball. So many pictures were taken that I was sure I’d be fired when they got out. I’m glad I got to see him and talk with him at the casino and I’m sure he’s golfing with friends today. He never let me forget Sandy Barb.
Reply
Barry & Lynne Stowell
September 5, 2017 at 12:03 pm
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Reply
Steve Harris
September 5, 2017 at 2:12 pm
Gary was a man I highly respected and trusted. I thought of him as family. He was a good boss and friend. He brought out the best out in me as a worker. He had a lot of the same work ethics and values as my father and that meant a lot to me. I will miss him. I send my condolences and prayers out to his family. Steve Harris
Reply
Dave Delemme
September 5, 2017 at 5:28 pm
Gary was always a pleasure to talk to. I know he enjoyed his grand children also. I didn’t know him that well, but when we saw each other outside he would wave, and sometimes we would talk for a while. I’m usually at the American Legion post on Orleans street everyday to check the mail. Gary lived just across the street. I will miss talking with him, and I usually looked over to his house when I drove by to see if he was outside so I could wave to him. May God hold you near my friend.
Dave Delemme Allegan County Commander
for the Department of the American Legion.
Reply
Sarah Keith Pope
September 5, 2017 at 6:53 pm
Terri and family, my condolences on the loss of your father. I remember the kindness of both your parents at your basement sleepovers. Good times! May The Lord be with you and bring you His peace.
Reply
Pat "Leonard" Clingenpeel
September 5, 2017 at 7:44 pm
Dear Sandy & family,
I went to school with Gary in Otsego & never met another person like him. He was such a sweet, caring young man. I never saw or heard Gary say anything mean or nasty. Never heard anything bad about him. I was so glad to see him on Facebook & also his family. Seeing your old classmates is very heartwarming. His passing leaves his family/friends an awful lot of broken hearts, but please know that he is now with our Lord Jesus Christ & watching over all of you now. Another bright star in the night sky……………………..
God’s Blessings on all of you……..
Sincerely,
Pat “Leonard” Clingenpeel
Reply
Phyl Geurink
September 7, 2017 at 7:53 am
Gary was a very good boss when I worked for him. Fair, positive, caring and people did their jobs knowing he appreciated each and every one. So enjoyed talking Lions with him. He adored Sandy and family. So glad to know him and his smile will be in my mind and the special guy he was.
Reply
Dick & Sharalyn Downing
September 7, 2017 at 2:27 pm
Sandy & Family,
Just want you to know our thoughts & prayers have been
with you through these trying times.
My God Bless you & give you strength in the coming
months.
Reply
Gail Bunker VanPolen
September 12, 2017 at 5:41 pm
Ladies I am sorry full from your loss. Sandy so blessed with such an accomplished husband. That picture is wonderful. Girls I remember being kids playing at your house. I guess I’m all over the place with this but….I too lost my husband last year. Sounds like you showed him compassion with family love. May God continue with your healing. Gail
Reply
Leave a Condolence
Cancel reply
Please share your message of condolence with the family, It will be visible to the public but your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked
*
Comment
*
Name
*
Email
*
Δ
Obituary Notification Service
Enter your email address if you would like to be notified when a new obituary notice is posted:
Search Obituaries
How do I send a condolence
At the bottom of this page, you will find a condolence form. You will need to fill out some basic information prior to typing your message. (We will not share your e-mail address with anyone) Once you are finished, simply click the submit condolence button. The condolence will be approved before it is published to the web site.
Share This Obituary
Your Name
*
Your Email
*
Their Name
*
Their Email
*
Message
CAPTCHA
Comments
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Δ
He was born July 8, 1942 in Battle Creek, the 3
rd
child of Raymond and Ada (Stratton) Zantello. Waiting for Gary at home was his brother Ramon, who became his idol, and his sweet sister Juanita. Eleven years later Gary became a big brother to little sister Nancy. When he was three years old, the family moved to Alamo, where his dad started Ray’s Garage. Gary often said he had the best childhood ever, from soap box derbies to sliding down Alamo’s south hill with his brother Ray and good friend Jack Kisinger.
Gary attended a one room school house until he entered high school. His favorite sport was football, where he played full back and was captain his senior year. He was the recipient of Otsego’s Nubert award for best player. Gary grew up in a singing family. He had a wonderful, soft voice and had belonged to a quartet and choir in high school. He graduated from Otsego High School in 1960 and then attended LaMar Barber College in Detroit and barbered for 5 years. He also worked part time on the Otsego Police Department. Later, Gary worked as a machinist at Eaton (Fuller) until they closed. Gary then began working for the Perrigo Company where he worked for over 20 years, retiring as a supervisor.
Gary met Sandra McLaughlin during his senior year at Otsego and they went on their 1
st
date in January of 1960. They were engaged in May of 1962 and married June 8, 1963. They were blessed with a daughter, Theresa (Terri) in 1964, the apple of her father’s eye. They were blessed again in 1967 with daughter Debra (Debi).
When Gary was first married, he played lots of baseball, and he also enjoyed golfing for many years. He was a volunteer fireman with the Otsego Fire Department from 1972 to 1991 and served as Fire Chief for three years. He enjoyed his time on the department and, along with his wife, made many friends. Due to his love of football, he became an official, and over 25 years he officiated many high school and semi pro games. Anyone who knew Gary knew he was a lifelong U of M fan! He loved his neighbors, and along with Mike and Dana, he began an annual neighborhood block party 6 years ago. The party has taken place every year since. More than anything, he loved his family, and he especially enjoyed driving his grandsons around town on his tractor.
Survivors include his wife, Sandra; daughters, Terri (Brad Smith) Zantello and Debi Zantello; grandsons, Tyler Nowak, Matthew (Lyndsey) Nowak and Zachary Landrum; great-grandson, Bryce Nowak; siblings Ramon (Karla) Zantello and Nancy (David Smith) Zantello; mother-in-law, Betty McLaughlin; brother-in-law, Mike Pearson and 2 nieces and 8 nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Juanita VanSparrentak; father-in-law, Kenneth McLaughlin and sister-in-law, Patricia Pearson.
Friends may meet with Gary’s family from 2-4 and from 6-8 P.M., Tuesday, September 5, 2017 at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego where a funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, September 6, 2017 with Celebrant Bill Rose officiating.
Burial will follow at Alamo Center Cemetery.
Contributions in memory of Gary may be made to
Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan
.
Messages of condolence may be posted at
WinkelFuneralHome.com.
Offer Condolence for the family of Gary Zantello
Condolence Messages
Bob Leonard
September 1, 2017 at 11:49 pm
Nancy and girls, I am sorry I wasn’t there for you ,
Reply
Charlie & Pam McQueer
September 1, 2017 at 11:59 pm
Sandy and girls. We were honored to call Gary our friend. He truly had a kind heart and served his family and community with pride in his contribution to the Otsego Fire Dept. His pride and love for his family was very obvious and we know he has touched many lives ours as well. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time and we will see you soon.
Charlie and Pam McQueer
Reply
Tim and Marcia Quigley
September 2, 2017 at 8:29 am
Sandy and Family,
We send our love and prayers to you. Please keep your memories close and remember Gary is now an Angel in Heaven watching over you!
Reply
Ruth Ann Smith
September 2, 2017 at 9:36 am
Dear Sandy, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I understand how heartbreaking and difficult this has been for you. George & I always loved our times together when you and Gary were visiting Terri & Brad in the T.C. area. Those are sweet memories. Let family and friends help you during this sad time. I will be in touch soon.
Love & Hugs, Ruth Ann Smith
Reply
Christine Callender
September 2, 2017 at 9:42 am
I met Gary while I was working in the Security Dept for Perrigo. And I always knew that if I had any issues with his area, he would always be available to help me in any way he could. He was a wonderful person and I am glad I had the honor to know him.
Prayers going up for you and your family during this difficult time.
Reply
Nancy
September 2, 2017 at 9:46 am
I already miss you so much. Thank you for everything. There are too many to mention. I love you.
Reply
David Rantz
September 2, 2017 at 10:06 am
Hey folks I so sorry to here about Gary. I got to know Gary when he was a ref. He was a very good ref and very fair. When I joined the Plainwell Fire Dept. I grew up in working a lot of fires with Gary when our Departments would be assisting one another. I also worked for Plainwell Ambulance and worked many medical/ crashes with Gary and was always the professional I learned a lot about the 1st responder job from men like Gary. My best to you may he Rest In Peace.
Reply
Bill Bower
September 2, 2017 at 10:31 am
Gary was one of the kindest nicest guys my wife and I ever knew.
Reply
Deana Hostetler
September 2, 2017 at 10:58 am
Many thoughts and prayers to you Sandy and family. Gary was my boss at Perrigo for a few years, great boss he was. We talked football cause he officiated a football game in B’dale when we played on the old field, it was raining and had become a big mud field, my son was ball boy and Gary would come give him a ball after every play and then told him what a great job he was doing keeping the balls clean and dry. Such a good memory and he was such a good person, you will be missed by so many Gary. So glad you are now at peace with God,,rest now my friend. Deana
Reply
Mary Worden
September 2, 2017 at 11:57 am
Sending love and prayers to Sandy and the entire family, my.thoughts are with you, Gary fought the good fight and is at peace, bless all of you. Mary Worden
Reply
Sara Haveman
September 2, 2017 at 11:59 am
Loving thoughts to Ray and family on the loss of your brother.
Reply
Sue Lindsey
September 2, 2017 at 12:41 pm
Sandy and family—- My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Hold onto the memories, they are so precious. Merl always enjoyed his visits with Gary while at your house for an appliance repair ! Keeping you and your family in my prayers…..
Reply
Becky Deaton
September 2, 2017 at 4:00 pm
Sandy, I’m so sorry to see that you and your family have suffered the loss of another loved one. God Bless you in the days ahead.
Reply
D.oger Mason
September 2, 2017 at 4:47 pm
I’m so sorry for your loss. Gary and I were the best buddies all the way through Alamo U and OHS. We went our separate ways but both served the public all of our lives in the Fire service and we both served with the Otsego City Police Department. I will miss him. we had such a great life. thruly a Happy Days life! RIP Gary!
Reply
Don & Sherry (Meacham) Hurlbut
September 2, 2017 at 5:42 pm
Dear Sandy and Family: I knew Gary for many years growing up in Alamo Township. He was always pleasant to be around. And, of course, Sandy you and I became friends in High School. You and Gary were blessed to have 50+ years of marriage. I enjoyed seeing you both when we had a barn sale at Mom’s in 2014. Gary and I reminisced about the good old days in Alamo and laughed a lot! Seeing you two together reflected the love you shared. May your many memories help you through difficult days. Don and I send our thoughts, prayers and hugs to you. RIP GARY…you will be missed.
Reply
John Oisten
September 2, 2017 at 7:09 pm
I use to deliver his Kalamazoo. Gazzete he was caring man he will be missed.
Reply
Mike and Agnes Vanarsdal
September 2, 2017 at 7:34 pm
Sandy and Family,
Mike and my deepest sympathy.
May God’s almighty Grace help you through this difficult time.
Reply
Sherlene Belden
September 2, 2017 at 7:43 pm
Sandy and family, I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved Gary. I know you have many wonderful memories with him and that is something that will help you through this most difficult time. Sending prayers your way.
Reply
Jodie Bronkema
September 2, 2017 at 9:08 pm
Sandy and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you . I know how much he is loved and adored. I know you miss him terribly ! It was such an honor to know him even for such a short time ! Thank you for that privilege! Nurse Nancy you did an amazing job loving and caring for him every minute of everyday with your grandson Tyler’s help! You all are so very special ! I am happy that he is at peace! Sending prayers to you and wishing you peace in the days to come .
Reply
Lynn Bronkema
September 2, 2017 at 9:09 pm
Dear Sandy and Family.
So sorry for your loss of Gary. For all he has been thru now may he be at Peace. Praying for You and Your Family for Comfort and Healing at this difficult time. May God Bless you All.
Reply
Bill & Brenda Standish
September 3, 2017 at 7:50 am
Gary’s smile and personality brightened up the room every time he walked in. Now there is another bright light in Heaven. He left us with some great memories as we send our thoughts and prayers to Sandy and all of his family.
Reply
DAVE AND SANDY HOLLAND
September 3, 2017 at 9:50 am
DEAR SANDY AND FAMILY,
SO VERY SORRY TO HEAR OF GARY’S PASSING, THESE ARE VERY HARD TIMES, NO WORDS CAN TAKE AWAY YOUR PAIN, YOU WERE A CUTE COUPLE AND HAVE SHARED MANY PRECIOUS YRS TOGETHER, THE MEMORIES WILL GIVE YOU COMFORT. DAVE HAS MANY MEMORIES OF GARY IN HIGH SCHOOL AS THEY PLAYED SPORTS TOGETHER! GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU, OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU
Reply
Susie (Hicks) Browne
September 3, 2017 at 3:41 pm
Sandy I am praying for your comfort, your strength, and most of all the Peace that passes all understanding.
Love you,
Susie
Reply
Mary Schuiteboer
September 3, 2017 at 8:25 pm
I’m so very sorry for your loss. I loved working with him. When asked,”how are you” his comment was always “fine as frogs hair”. I will never forget. ♡
Reply
Laura DenHarder
September 4, 2017 at 8:41 am
Dear Sandy Terri and Debi, so sorry to hear of Garys passing. I have very fond memories of working for him my short time at Perrigo. Not only did he help me get the job but took me under his wing, always watching out for his girls. prayers are with your family
Reply
Don Grubisich and Diane Worden Grubisich
September 4, 2017 at 10:16 am
I am one of Frank and Mary Worden’s daughters, and though I did not know Gary well, the entire Zantello family is our family, they are some of the very best people we know.. I have very fond memories of being in Alamo at Ray and Karla’s and at Walnut Way and being around all of the Zantello family for weddings and gatherings. Our condolences to Sandy and family, and Ray, we are thinking of you in this time, praying for you as you endure your loss..
Reply
Carl Hiemstra
September 4, 2017 at 6:45 pm
One of the four “Roses” no longer blooms. Gary was always a good friend. Love Louie
Reply
Cheryl and Ernie Green
September 4, 2017 at 9:11 pm
Sandy, You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. He was a very kind and sweet man. I always looked forward to seeing his smiling face when I worked with him at Perrigo. I know this has to be very difficult for you. I hope that you find comfort in the memories that you made with him.
Reply
Ellyn & Jim Deneau
September 5, 2017 at 10:36 am
I wouldn’t be where I am today, with my hubby of 28.5 years, without these two amazing people. Sandra Lee and “Pop” as I called Gary, are true treasures in my heart. Gary will be missed for his mischief, smiles, love, and directness. You are both loved so very much and I count Jim and I blessed to have been a part of
your world. Love, Ellyn and Jim Deneau
Reply
Mike and Char Andrus
September 5, 2017 at 10:55 am
Gary was always the guy who held people in high regard. He made so many friends at Perrigo because of his personality. I know he was behind the idea of having belly dancers come in on third shift to celebrate my birthday one year. He ended up dancing with them with his shirt off having a ball. So many pictures were taken that I was sure I’d be fired when they got out. I’m glad I got to see him and talk with him at the casino and I’m sure he’s golfing with friends today. He never let me forget Sandy Barb.
Reply
Barry & Lynne Stowell
September 5, 2017 at 12:03 pm
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Reply
Steve Harris
September 5, 2017 at 2:12 pm
Gary was a man I highly respected and trusted. I thought of him as family. He was a good boss and friend. He brought out the best out in me as a worker. He had a lot of the same work ethics and values as my father and that meant a lot to me. I will miss him. I send my condolences and prayers out to his family. Steve Harris
Reply
Dave Delemme
September 5, 2017 at 5:28 pm
Gary was always a pleasure to talk to. I know he enjoyed his grand children also. I didn’t know him that well, but when we saw each other outside he would wave, and sometimes we would talk for a while. I’m usually at the American Legion post on Orleans street everyday to check the mail. Gary lived just across the street. I will miss talking with him, and I usually looked over to his house when I drove by to see if he was outside so I could wave to him. May God hold you near my friend.
Dave Delemme Allegan County Commander
for the Department of the American Legion.
Reply
Sarah Keith Pope
September 5, 2017 at 6:53 pm
Terri and family, my condolences on the loss of your father. I remember the kindness of both your parents at your basement sleepovers. Good times! May The Lord be with you and bring you His peace.
Reply
Pat "Leonard" Clingenpeel
September 5, 2017 at 7:44 pm
Dear Sandy & family,
I went to school with Gary in Otsego & never met another person like him. He was such a sweet, caring young man. I never saw or heard Gary say anything mean or nasty. Never heard anything bad about him. I was so glad to see him on Facebook & also his family. Seeing your old classmates is very heartwarming. His passing leaves his family/friends an awful lot of broken hearts, but please know that he is now with our Lord Jesus Christ & watching over all of you now. Another bright star in the night sky……………………..
God’s Blessings on all of you……..
Sincerely,
Pat “Leonard” Clingenpeel
Reply
Phyl Geurink
September 7, 2017 at 7:53 am
Gary was a very good boss when I worked for him. Fair, positive, caring and people did their jobs knowing he appreciated each and every one. So enjoyed talking Lions with him. He adored Sandy and family. So glad to know him and his smile will be in my mind and the special guy he was.
Reply
Dick & Sharalyn Downing
September 7, 2017 at 2:27 pm
Sandy & Family,
Just want you to know our thoughts & prayers have been
with you through these trying times.
My God Bless you & give you strength in the coming
months.
Reply
Gail Bunker VanPolen
September 12, 2017 at 5:41 pm
Ladies I am sorry full from your loss. Sandy so blessed with such an accomplished husband. That picture is wonderful. Girls I remember being kids playing at your house. I guess I’m all over the place with this but….I too lost my husband last year. Sounds like you showed him compassion with family love. May God continue with your healing. Gail
Reply
Leave a Condolence
Cancel reply
Please share your message of condolence with the family, It will be visible to the public but your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked
*
Comment
*
Name
*
*
Δ
Obituary Notification Service
Enter your email address if you would like to be notified when a new obituary notice is posted:
Search Obituaries
How do I send a condolence
At the bottom of this page, you will find a condolence form. You will need to fill out some basic information prior to typing your message. (We will not share your e-mail address with anyone) Once you are finished, simply click the submit condolence button. The condolence will be approved before it is published to the web site.
Share This Obituary
Your Name
*
Your Email
*
Their Name
*
Their Email
*
Message
CAPTCHA
Comments
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Δ
Guestbook
Visits: 5
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors