Gary grew up in Spruce, MI and graduated from Alpena High School in 1960. Gary earned his Bachelor's degree from Michigan State University and Master's from Central Michigan University, teaching and coaching athletics in the public schools for 30 years and later coordinating the biology labs for Lansing Community College. He was active in the community as a member of University Lutheran Church and the Greater Lansing Network Against War and Injustice.
Gary was preceded in passing by his parents, along with sisters Betty Bordine and Joan Baliey.
He is survived by his wife Patricia (Torsok) Lee; daughters Rebecca Morgan and Jessica Schwake; son Michael; sons-in-law Kevin Schwake and Jaxon Bonsack; brothers Ronald and Robert Lee; and grandchildren Rachel Morgan, James Morgan, Brian Schwake and Peyton Schwake.
Gary donated his body to the College of Human Medicine at Michigan State University.
A celebration of his life is being planned for early January. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a contribution in Gary's name to the University Lutheran Church Memorial Garden Fund, 1020 South Harrison Road, East Lansing, MI 48823; or the MSU Horticultural Gardens, 319 Agriculture Hall, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824.
