Garlin Zanger

A man of great courage and strength, Garlin Zanger embraced the days he was given even when they were anything but easy. He was blessed to share the best years of his life with his true companion, Barbara, with whom he loved spending as much time as he could. Gar was a hard working man who also enjoyed being social in his time away from work. He loved traveling and saw so many of the most beautiful places there are to see. Gar cared for his beloved Barb during her time of great need. A kind and loving man, he will be dearly missed while his memory remains forever cherished by those he leaves behind.

During the first half of the 1940s the eyes of the nation were focused overseas as much of the world was engaged in WWII. After the vicious attack on our naval base in Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, America sent countless young servicemen and women to engage in the fight for the freedoms we still enjoy today. It was just prior to the historic release of the atomic bombs that brought the war to an end that a young couple from Sturgis, Michigan, was pleased to announce the birth of their son, Garlin, on July 10, 1945. He was the oldest of three children born to his parents, Charles and Ruth "Carol" (Kirkpatrick) Zanger, and was raised in the family home alongside his sister, Pam, and his brother, Terry. When he was eight Gar and his family moved to Mason, Michigan, where he continued his schooling at local schools.

In many ways Gar experienced an upbringing that was a reflection of his generation. He was generous and always giving to others. He could be a bit stubborn and was a bundle of energy while growing up, which of course means that he also ended up in his fair share of mischief as well. He loved playing baseball and climbing the big tree in the family's back yard. As a family the Zangers enjoyed going to Florida during the summer to visit Gar’s grandparents. He discovered that he had the natural ability to work with his hands, which were skills that were inherited from his father, and he enjoyed doing mechanical work and was able to fix just about anything.

After graduating from Mason High School, Garlin went on to Lansing Community College. A bit later he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served overseas. Although he never did speak much about his time in the military, Gar was proud to have served his country. While in the Air Force he married.

With his military duties fulfilled, Gar continued raising a family in the Lansing area. He did various jobs and eventually ended up working in the parts department at Northern Equipment in Holt. Gar had some struggles to deal with and ultimately led him to move to Grand Rapids where he could have a fresh start.

In Grand Rapids Gar met and later married Barbara, and together they made their home in Kentwood. He worked in several places around the area, usually as a parts manager for heavy equipment companies including Case, AIS. and Kubota.

From a young age, Gar was always one to keep busy and he had many interests; and in particular, loved old clocks. He and Barbara were very active socially and were often on the go. They loved going out to dinner with family and friends, and he seemed to have a knack for finding the most quaint little eateries wherever they went. Gar and his wife enjoyed heading out to Grand Haven to walk along the boardwalk and watch the boats go by. They also loved traveling, and over the years they took fun-filled trips to Mexico, trips out East, trips to the mountains, cruises, and also often went to Texas to visit family. With an appreciation for the arts and culture, Gar and Barbara were faithful supporters of Frederick Meijer Gardens. With a love for cats, their home always had some cats around that were treasured companions. Together Gar and Barbara owned and operated the Wild Bird General Store in Cascade, which was initially planned to be a bird feed store but ended up as a gift store.

Gar was an active member of the Bill W. fellowship for 27 years. He shared his experience, strength and hope with a multitude of grateful friends. We suspect he'll be chairing the Big Meeting in the sky tonight.

Both Gar and Barbara had health issues to contend with. After she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, he spent much of his time caring for her despite having health challenges of his own. An advocate for Barbara and others, Gar was on the board for the Parkinson’s Association. Over the last several years he struggled with various bouts of cancer, but he still experienced numerous good times as well. Gar and his wife found a new home at Covenant Village of the Great Lakes, which was a great fit.

Garlin was so much fun to be around. He was a devoted family man and loyal friend who often greeted his loved ones with a warm hug. A dear man to many, Gar will never be forgotten.

Garlin "Gar" Zanger, age 68 of Grand Rapids, passed away Tuesday, April 15, 2014. Garlin is survived by his wife, Barbara; as well as his loving parents, sister, brother and many other family and friends. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on Monday, April 21, 2014 at 2 PM at Covenant Village of the Great Lakes, 2510 Lake Michigan Drive NW where friends may visit with his family from 1 PM until the service. His family asks that you consider a memorial contribution to either the National Parkinson Foundation of West Michigan or North Alano Club. To read more about his life or to share a favorite memory, please visit www.lifestorynet.com