Gary Kalbfleisch, a man whose heart was as vast as the great outdoors he so cherished, left us on February 17, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on March 29, 1955, in the scenic town of Petoskey, Michigan, Gary's journey began with a spirit of adventure and a love for the natural world, a love that he carried with him to his last days in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

A loving father, brother, and grandfather, Gary's family was the centerpiece of his life. He leaves behind a legacy of warmth and devotion in his daughter, Amanda, and his son, Hans. His two grandchildren, who were the apples of his eye, will miss their grandad's boundless energy and infectious smile. Though preceded in death by his sisters Dorry and Amy, and his parents, Norma and Harold, Gary's memories will be cherished by his siblings Carolyn, Kathy, Mary, Kevin, and Chuck.

Gary's education in tool and die laid the foundation for what would become a distinguished career. His time in the Army not only shaped his character but instilled a sense of discipline and camaraderie that he carried into his work as a tool and die maker. Gary's colleagues remember him as a man who stood by his words and always extended a hand in friendship as well as in guidance.

His interests were as diverse as the seasons of Michigan. An avid hunter, fisherman, and outdoorsman, Gary found peace in the whisper of the pines and the stillness of the lake. He was an artist in the kitchen, his cooking bringing together friends and family over laughter and stories. But perhaps Gary's most enduring quality was his innate desire to help others. He believed that staying busy was not about filling time but about filling lives—including his own—with purpose and joy.

In remembering Gary, we recall the words of Helen Keller: "What we have once enjoyed we can never lose; all that we love deeply becomes a part of us." Indeed, Gary's essence—a blend of courage, love, and amiable spirit—is etched in the hearts of those who knew him.

He showed us what it means to live a full life, not through possessions or accolades, but through the simple act of giving: giving time, giving love, and giving oneself to the wonders of the world and the warmth of human connections. Gary's story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of positivity.

To have known Gary was to know the embodiment of friendship and courage. His was a life that inspired, a life that encouraged each of us to seek out the best in ourselves and in others. He shared with us the understanding that "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing," as Edmund Burke so eloquently stated. Gary was indeed that good man who chose to do something, to live with intention and generosity.

As we bid farewell to Gary, we do not say goodbye to his spirit. Instead, we carry forward his legacy of love, his courageous heart, and his friendly smile. Let his memory be a guiding star to us all, reminding us to embrace the great outdoors of life's possibilities, to cook up moments of joy with our loved ones, and to lend a hand where we can make a difference.

Gary Kalbfleisch, a beacon of love and courage, has left this world, but his light remains, guiding us toward our own paths of loving kindness and brave exploration. Rest well, Gary, and know that your journey continues within each of us.