Gary DeYoung

Gary James DeYoung was called home on December 19 , 2019 and is now reunited with the love of his life, Susan DeYoung and their beloved daughter, Samantha DeYoung.   Gary was born on December 16, 1947, to Oliver and Lottie (Lonn) DeYoung, in Davenport, Iowa.  He married Susan Woolley on September 23, 1967, and was blessed with 4 children and 6 grandchildren, who were his absolute pride and joy.  He began his career working on the railroad in Illinois, relocated to Michigan and retired from a career in metal fabrication and machine repair at LexaMar.

Gary had a passion for motorcycles, both racing and riding. He enjoyed riding with his wife, son, and many great friends and put on thousands of miles in his lifetime riding locally, across the USA and to Alaska.  His final trip was around Lake Superior in August 2019. He was an avid reader, history buff, woodworking enthusiast and gifted photographer.  He loved serving others and was a Reading Mentor at the Charlevoix Elementary School.  He was a founding member of Safe Haven Ministries at Charlevoix Community Reformed Church.  This ministry offered free breakfast club, nightlight ministries, community games and grub at the church, and much more.  He also accompanied the youth group on mission trips to Guatemala.  He had a quiet, but sarcastic wit, unconditional love for family, friends and community, and will forever be remembered in a denim shirt, adventurer hat, dog by his side and a pocketful of Starbursts.

The legacy of Gary’s gentle spirit, servant’s heart and compassionate soul will live on through his children, Shawn (Angie) DeYoung, Sandra (Tim) Novotny, Saul DeYoung and his grandchildren, Chantel Novotny, Jake Novotny, Tristan DeYoung, Anna DeYoung, Charles DeYoung, and Sylis DeYoung.  He is also survived by his siblings, Dennis (Kathy) DeYoung, Myrna Curtis, Robert DeYoung, Charlene Lydick, Rick (Nadine) DeYoung, Tim (Shelley) DeYoung and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Susan (Woolley) DeYoung, his daughter, Samantha DeYoung and his parents, Oliver and Lottie DeYoung.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 28 at Charlevoix Community Reformed Church, 100 Oak St., Charlevoix, MI 49720.  Visitation will take place on Friday, December 27 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Winchester Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes, 209 State St., Charlevoix, MI 49720.

Memorial donations may be made to Safe Haven Ministries, C/O Charlevoix Community Reformed Church, 100 Oak St., Charlevoix, MI 49720.

Arrangements are in the care of the Winchester Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com