Gary Rogers

Gary was born in Madison Heights, Mich., on June 8, 1958, son of Walter and Jean (Fetchco) Rogers. He was raised in Dearborn and graduated from Fordson High School.

On Sept. 25, 1981, Gary married the love of his life, Mary Gurskey, in Detroit. He lived and raised their two children, Greg and Rebecca, in Algonac, Mich., before relocating in 2003 to Escanaba.

Gary worked as an automotive service technician for several years before joining Savin Corp. for 16 years as a field service technician. In 1992, he and his wife started a custom boat canvas business and has been creating custom canvas products ever since.

He had a lifelong love for woodcrafting and working on classic wood boats and custom wood furniture. He was a talented man that could build anything, that is demonstrated in the home where they reside in Escanaba.

Gary enjoyed working with his hands. He spent many days in the woodshop crafting custom pieces for his home, his family, and his friends. He loved spending time at the shooting range with his wife, son and friends shooting sporting clays. He was also an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved days in the duck boat with his son and camping with his family. He enjoyed reading, which he passed down to his daughter. He spent a lot of spare time in the summer tending to his large garden. In his down time, he enjoyed sipping bourbon with his family and friends. Gary was certainly a ‘jack of all trades’ and there wasn’t anything he couldn’t do.

Gary was a member of the Great Lakes Sport and Recreation Club in Escanaba and also a member of the NRA.

In addition to his wife, Mary, Gary is survived by his children, Greg (Jami) Rogers and Rebecca (fiance Aaron Zimmerman) Rogers; granddaughter, Kylie Rogers; siblings, Walter (Bonnie) Rogers and Jackie Hayes; nieces and nephews, Dawn Quinn, Sean Rogers, Wim Javor, Jeanne Spencer and Carole Kropp.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, and brother-in-law, Leon Hayes.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, Jan. 21, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Crawford Funeral Home in Escanaba. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. at the funeral home.

A celebration of Gary’s life will take place immediately after the service at the Great Lakes Sports and Recreation Club, 5211 19th Ave. N., Escanaba.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Great Lakes Sports and Recreation Club for the Youth Programs.

The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the Rogers family.