Gary Allen Stefanski

Gary Allen Stefanski of Hemlock, Michigan

Beloved Husband, Father, Grandpa "G-Pa", Uncle, and Friend passed away peacefully, with his family by his side, on Thursday, June 29, 2023, at Covenant HealthCare - Cooper. He was 72 years old. Gary Allen Stefanski was born on May 17, 1951, in Bay City, Michigan, to the late James A. and Helen A. (Stagray) Stefanski. He was a proud 1969 graduate of Merrill High School. Following graduation, he attended HVAC Trade School in Tennessee. While in high school, Gary met the love of his life, the former Klementina "Cindy" SanMiguel. Fate brought them back together one day at the grocery store in 2003. They dated, fell in love, and were united in marriage on December 16, 2003; she survives him. Gary worked as a sheet metal worker and HVAC installer at J. E. Johnson in Midland. Following retirement, he was employed at Wright's Pharmacy since 2018 where he delivered prescriptions and other tasks, quickly becoming a part of their family. Though Gary loved to stay busy, the role of his lifetime was to be a loving and devoted husband, father, and especially a grandfather. He enjoyed working with his hands, crafting and creating many beautiful birdhouses, benches, and other stunning pieces through his woodworking and sheet metal skills. Gary's little piece of heaven was working in his yard, tending to his flowers, and spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He also enjoyed riding his motorcycle, going to antique car festivals, and watching car shows on television. He will forever be remembered for his laughter, loyalty, and kindness, for his warm, sunny, and cheerful disposition, and for truly living an amazing life filled with many beautiful memories and stories.

Surviving are his wife of 20 years, Cindy Stefanski of Hemlock; stepson, Larry Wade of Hemlock; stepdaughter, Jessica Wade of Jacksonville, FL; a grandson, Liam Wade of Jacksonville, FL; a special niece, Shawn (Brian) Story of Breckenridge; a step-niece, Connie Paez of Gladwin. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

He was preceded in death by a brother and three sisters. Honoring Gary's wishes cremation has taken place.

Honoring Gary’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Gary’s Life will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at the W.L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 125 E Saginaw St, Merrill, MI 48637. Rev. Ted McCulloch will officiate. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the funeral chapel on Saturday from 2:00 p.m. until the time of the service at 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the family c/o Cindy Stefanski. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.casefuneralhome.com.