Gary Lee Rookus of Grand Rapids, Michigan passed away on Tuesday, March 22nd, 2022.

Gary was born on June 11th, 1942, in Zeeland, Michigan to George and Adeline Rookus.

Gary enjoyed puttering and hanging out in the garage at Whiting St house with his boys and the many friends and family who would stop by.

He enjoyed gas engines and going to gas engine shows, hot rods, going to eat at the local restaurants and picking on and talking with the waitresses and waiters. He enjoyed once a month breakfasts with his family, get togethers with all of his in laws, and being with his boys and their familes playing cards, reminiscing and making fun of each other.

Gary was so funny, so full of love and care. He knew how to be grumpy and how to put us in our places when he didn't like something. He always had stupid, funny phrases to say and jokes to tell. He enjoyed running into and talking with old friends.

Gary was preceded in death by his infant daughter Debra Sue Rookus, Great Granddaughter Aria, Daughter in law Pat Rookus, Brother George Rookus, Brothers in law Ern Bagge and Dick Bard.

Gary will be missed by his wife of 58 years, Nancy Rookus (Schafer), his kids; Denny and Sue Rookus, Ken and Jeanie Rookus, and Len and Connie Rookus, his siblings; John Rookus, Karen Rookus, Marcia Bard, and Ernie and Sheryl Smith, grandchildren; Ken Jr (Arb) and Brie Rookus, Megan Thompson and Matt Fisher, Emily and Travis Hines, Tom Dilley, Debbie and Trent Sainer, Nick Rookus, Joe Prestia and Dani, Great Grand Kids; Trent, Makenzie, Aiden, Jocelyn, Declan, Brennan, Niaya, Temperence, Elijah, Braedyn, Kalvin, Jaxon, and Everleigh, and in laws; John and Palma Schafer, Sue and Steve Davis, Mike and Diane Schafer, Sally Bagge, and many aunts, nieces and nephews.

Anyone who knew Gary loves him and enjoyed being around him.


Arrangements have been entrusted to Simply Cremations in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Service Details. Online Memory & Photo Sharing Event Ongoing Online Event About this event In Loving Memory Of Gary Rookus June 11, 1942 - March 22, 2022 Look inside to read what others have shared Family and friends are coming together online to create a special keepsake. Every memory left on the online obituary will be automatically included in this book. View Tribute Book