Gary Forsleff

Gary Elmer Forsleff died peacefully at age 78 in his home in Flint, MI on Wednesday, November 30, 2016. Gary was born in Ludington, MI on December 27, 1937, the son of Elmer and Florence Forsleff. They lived in several towns in Michigan until they settled in Kalamazoo, MI where Gary loved the addition of his two younger sisters, Lou Ann and Elizabeth. Encouraged by his mother, Gary was a choir boy at St. Luke's Episcopal church and began piano lessons in the 5th grade. This musical path led him to Zoe Ann Gideon, where they played together in the Kalamazoo Junior Symphony. The two wed on August 27, 1960 in Kalamazoo, MI. Gary's education included a B.A. in Music Education from Western Michigan University and an M.A. in Sacred Music from Northwestern University. Gary was a member of the Phi Mu Delta musical fraternity, taught music for 16 years, played in the Kalamazoo Symphony for 27 years, and a lifetime member of The American Organist Guild. Gary was an accomplished organist, pianist, teacher, church music and choir director, and entrepreneur, owning Treva Read Music with Zoe. Gary's generosity to his family, friends and community, along with his gift of music, will not be forgotten. Gary is preceded in passing by his wife, Zoe Ann Forsleff. His love lives on in son Andrew Forsleff and wife Erika; son Matthew Forsleff and wife Marcella; daughter Amie Masselink and husband Edward; daughter Amanda Krusoe and husband Stephen; fourteen grandchildren, John Forsleff, Andrew Forsleff, Elizabeth Forsleff, James Forsleff, Josefine Forsleff, Zachary Forsleff, Niklas Masselink, Rachel Forsleff, Caleb Masselink, Leilani Krusoe, Anthony Krusoe, Keagan Masselink, Annika Forsleff, Angelo Krusoe; sister Lou Ann Piket and husband Philip, sister Elizabeth Forsleff and husband Bruce; extended family Louise Forsleff, John Chahbazi and Mary Chahbazi, several cousins, a nephew and three nieces. Psalms 104:33 "I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being." A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo, on Tuesday, December 27, 2016 at 2:00 PM. A fellowship gathering will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Stulberg International String Competition, 359 South Kalamazoo Mall, Suite 14, Kalamazoo, MI 49007 http://www.stulberg.org/support/donate/. Psalms 104:33 "I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being." Arrangements are by Swartz Funeral Home, Flint, MI, (810) 235-2345.