John Gary

Mr. John Gary, age 82, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, May 16, 2007. He was born on 6th Street in Muskegon Heights, on August 24, 1924 to the late Chris and Bertha Garry. His Catholic faith was important to him and he received many Sacraments, including Holy Communion and the Sacrament of the Sick. Along with his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife of 29 years, Dolores (Nelson) Gary, his brothers Gilbert, and Steven and a sister Ethel. John is survived by his twin sister, Irene "Ike" Newton (Royal) Klien, of Sparta; two children, Jeff (Joyce) Chonis, of Los Angeles, CA; a daughter, Jill (Richard) Bontrager, of Seattle, Washington; a granddaughter, Savanna Chonis; his caregivers Benita and Rex Fyan and many other nieces and nephews, along with his first wife, and mother of his children, Pattie Chonis, of Arizona. John was a veteran of the United States Army serving during World War II, and he worked as a salesman for Matson Oldsmobile/Cadillac for 26 years, retiring in 1978. He was a life member of the Seaway Trap Club and in his younger years was a Double A skeet shooter. John enjoyed golf and was an avid fisherman who helped many through the years learn to love the sport. He was a great outdoorsman. He will be greatly missed especially by his neighbors and buddies. According to his wishes cremation has taken place. Military Honors will be given on Thursday, May 24th, at 11:00 at Sunrise Memorial Gardens where he will be interred next to his wife, Dolores. Later that evening at 7:00 p.m., May 24th a memorial service will be held at the Mamrelund Lutheran Church, 4085 Lutheran Church Dr. Sparta, Michigan (Fruitridge Ave & Lutheran Church Drive). Memorial contributions may be directed to the Seaway Trap Club.