Gary Anthony Turek

Gary Anthony Turek of Saginaw, Michigan

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, uncle, and friend passed away peacefully at his home with his family by his side on Tuesday, April 11, 2023. He was 84 years old. Gary Anthony Turek was born on July 24, 1938, in Saginaw, Michigan, to the late Anthony and Lucilla M. (Kemerer) Turek. He was a proud 1956 graduate of Arthur Hill High School. He met the love of his life, Deanne Marie French, while working at Kresge’s Dime Store. They dated, fell in love, and were united in marriage on September 21, 1957; she survives him. Gary began a lifelong career as a machine setter with General Motors – Malleable Iron Plant; retiring with over 39 years of loyal and dedicated service. The role of his lifetime was to be the best, loving, and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Gary was a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church and served as both a Deacon and janitor. He was also a member of the YMCA and the Red Cross, where he volunteered countless hours of community service. Gary loved fishing and found peace and tranquility wherever he could cast his line. His little piece of heaven was to spend time with his family and traveling to Maine camping. Gary also enjoyed golfing. Though he could be strong-willed and stubborn, Gary will forever be remembered as a priceless and profound family man, for his wonderful sense of humor and laughter, and for truly living an amazing life filled with many beautiful memories and stories.

Surviving are his wife of 65 years, Deanne M. French of Saginaw; four daughters and a son: Deborah Taylor of Harrison; Linda LaFontaine of Freeland; Taffy (Pete) Light of Hemlock; Valerie Turek of James Township; Gary Turek of James Township; 15 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; a brother-in-law, Jonathan (Brenda) French of Burt. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Anthony and Lucilla Turek; a brother, Milton Edward (Maxine) Turek; two sisters: Joyce (Edward) Wenzel and Gwendolyn (Nicholas) Pappas; mother- and father-in-law, Franklin and Dorothy French; a sister-in-law, Karen (James) Fritz; a son-in-law, Frank LaFontaine.

Honoring Gary’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service will take place 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 20, 2023, at First Presbyterian Church, 121 S. Harrison Street. Rev. Ted McCulloch will officiate. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the church on Wednesday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to First Presbyterian Church. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the church or through www.casefuneralhome.com.