Gary Wunderlin

Gary Wunderlin got more out of life in fifty-two years than most people could in five-hundred years. He was a devoted family man who always regarded his children as his greatest accomplishment. He enjoyed sports and mechanics, and he was the happiest when he was sharing these hobbies with his boys.

The year 1954 was a time of change and uncertainty. Senator McCarthy led televised hearings into the alleged Communist influence in the army, and the Supreme Court unanimously ruled against racial segregation in public schools. In Bayonne, New Jersey, Richard Allen Wunderlin and his wife Marie Grace looked toward a different future, the future of their family. They were expecting a child, and on July 28, 1954 they were blessed with the healthy birth of their son Gary.

Gary grew up in Bayonne with the company of his brothers Richard, Ed, and David. Their father provided for the family through his job as a butcher for Swift & Company, and their mother stayed at home to raise the kids and tend to the house. An industrious work ethic was the family hallmark. Even as a youngster, Gary devoted all of his energy to the tasks ahead of him. This trait helped him become an excellent athlete. He played defensive linebacker on his high school football team, where he leveled more than his fair share of high-stepping running backs.

With his unrelenting work ethic, Gary quickly excelled in his professional life. He was mechanically inclined, and in his senior year of high school he was among the top three finalists in the Michigan division of the Plymouth Troubleshooting Contest. He received his accreditation through the National Institute for Automotive Excellence in Engine Repair, Manual Transmission, Rear Axle, and Mechanical and Electrical Systems. Early in his career he developed a keen interest in gasoline and diesel mechanics. He also enjoyed working with motorcycles. He engineered, built, and customized Harley Davidsons.

His children were Gary 's top priority. Kasey, Andy, Gary Jr., and Roby were the center of his universe. He and wife Mickey worked hard to make certain that their kids were provided with all the best opportunities. They fought long and hard to make sure that Andy received an appropriate education alongside his classmates. Gary was the driving force behind Roby's academic success, and he often reminded him that his future had no limits. Gary also encouraged all of his sons to participate in athletics. Andy was a proud member of the track team, and he performed solidly in the shot put and discus events. He just recently learned how to ride a two-wheeler. Roby learned everything that he could about athletics and enjoyed skiing, snowboarding, rock-climbing, and riding a two-wheeler. Gary attended all of Little Gary's sporting events, where he was always the loudest and most faithful supporter. At the end of each game he would provide Little Gary with a "thorough review" of his performance.

Gary lived according to the motto "Family always." He established many important traditions for his children, such as Thanksgiving at his brother Dick's house and Christmas in Bronson Park. He and the boys also enjoyed regular camping trips at Fisherman's Island State Park in Charlevoix. Throughout his life Gary remained close to his parents and his brothers, and he also formed an important relationship with his mother-in-law Joyce Stratton. Holidays at Grandma Joyce's were always special. The Penny family played an important role in raising and nurturing the boys. They often invited Gary out to Long Lake, where he and the boys would enjoy days of swimming and socializing. The entire family united to celebrate Gary 's fortieth birthday.

In his free time Gary loved to go for long rides on his motorcycle. Andy would often accompany him, and occasionally he would fall asleep against the gas tank. He had a tender heart for dogs, and he owned a wide variety over the years. He always picked appropriate names for them. Coon resembled a raccoon, Briar was found in a briar patch, and his doberman Harley was as powerful as his beloved motorcycle.

In his later years Gary struggled to overcome two major tragedies. On November 24, 1990 he lost his first son Kasey John to a moped accident. This was more than most fathers could bear. Gary relied on the love and support of his family to help him through his grief. On May 22, 2000 his precious soulmate Mickey passed away. These losses would crush any man's spirits, but Gary continued to move forward with unwavering devotion to his children. He remained as loving, nurturing, and affectionate as ever.

Gary 's love for life showed in his radiant smile and hearty laugh. He epitomized the age-old saying "Carpe Diem." He seized each day as if it were his last, and his hard work ethic and his can-do confidence drew all sorts of people to him. Among the many people who loved him, Gary will be greatly missed and frequently remembered. His absence in the family is irreplaceable.

Fly away oh hummingbird, and though you will be missed, you are free at last.

Members of Gary's family include his mother Marie O'Donnell, his father Richard "Zeke" Wunderlin, his step-mother Kitty, his brothers Richard, Ed, David, his mother-in-law Joyce Stratton and the Penny family, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is survived by his children Andy, Gary Jr., Roby Edick. Please visit Gary 's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign the guestbook, archive a favorite memory or photograph, or make a memorial contribution to Gary's family to be used for his son's education.