Garry Francis Freeland, born October 11, 1934, returned to his heavenly home, following his courageous fight with cancer, surrounded by his family, on September 28, 2019. His devotion to his family and firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace.
Garry served as an Air Force jet engine mechanic, continuing his skills as an auto mechanic upon retirement from the service. Following the end of his career, he dedicated his life in service to the Lord and his community. Garry delighted in honoring the Lord as an active member of the Friendship Church, drove the RSVP cancer van, and served as a board member and volunteer at the New Life Pregnancy Center. Garry had a passion for exercising his creative talents through carpentry, painting, and dancing.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis (Alma) Freeland and Mary (Arthur) Holt; brothers, Denver and Gordon, and sister, Veronica.
He is survived by his brother, Tony Freeland; sister, Muriel (Don) Quinn; children, Gerard (Ruth) Freeland, Ruthann (Charles) Schulke, Jr., and Kathleen (Don) McNeeley Jr.; grandchildren, Joshua Freeland, Callie Schulke, Courteney (Keegan) Zemper, Charles Schulke III, Giustino and Anthony Rudnick, Brandon and Bradley McNeeley, and many other loving relatives. Garry was a loving brother, father, grandfather and friend.
Visitation will be held at the Nelson Funeral Home from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday October 1, 2019, and on Wednesday morning (October 2nd) from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. at Friendship Church in Gaylord, with funeral service to follow at 10:00 a.m.
Interment will be held at 1:00 p.m. (Wednesday, October 2nd) at Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Vanderbilt.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the New Life Pregnancy Center, 705 S Otsego Ave, Gaylord, MI 49735.
A special thank you to Hospice of Michigan in Gaylord for their loving care and support.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Nelson Funeral Home, PO Box 1548, Gaylord MI 49734. www.nelsonsfuneralhome.com
8 comments on “Garry F. Freeland”
It was a pleasure knowing Garry. His faith and love for Jesus was obvious anytime you spoke to him more than a minute or two. A wonderful man who was dedicated to the Lord’s purposes. I’m confident he was greeted with the words, “well done my good and faithful servant.”
Garry was a loving partner to our mother, Rose. And we appreciated his caring manner. He will be missed by many.
Such a great man. He will forever be in our hearts and prayers. He gave me the greatest gift with the blessing of my marriage to his beautiful daughter Kathleen McNeeley.
We will miss his humor and bright smiles he shared with so many. We also thank him for his dedicated service to our country in our armed forces. Love you Garry. See you again someday!
Garry was a great man and I enjoyed getting to know him as a fellow driver for the American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery Cancer Van in Otsego County. Garry was a pleasure to know and he will be missed.
A truly great friend. He will be missed by many.
So sorry to hear of your loss! We have many, many fond memories of Gary from our younger years! Scott, Ruth Ann and Kathleen our hearts are sorrowful and full of love for your families!
Love, Aunt Betty & Uncle Herschel
We have lost a great caring man, the world could use a few more Garry’s. Who’s going to sell me my New Life tickets now! Tom Wagar
He is one of the nicest men I have ever met, such a wonderful heart, I met him volunteering at the Pregnancy Center, thank you for being just who you were
thanks for the friendship this world needs lots more men just like you rest in peace love