Gary J. Guindon

Gary was born in Evergreen Park, Ill. on July 15, 1952, the son of Gilbert and Judith (Derouin) Guindon. He graduated from James B. Conant High School in Hoffman Estates, Ill. in 1970. Gary served in the United States Army in Germany from 1972 until his honorable discharge in 1974. During his service, Gary earned a National Defense Service Medal.

On June 24, 1978 he married the former Joyce Ann Butts at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Escanaba. Together they had three children. Gary worked at the Delta County Airport in the seventies and Northern Rebuilders for several years after. He retired from Verso Paper Mill in July 2017 after 24 years as a Heavy Equipment Operator.

Gary had a passion for cars. He restored two vehicles; a 1968 Camero and a 1947 Studebaker, which he proudly showed at various car shows where he won several trophies. He enjoyed woodworking, working in his garage, and watching NASCAR, rooting for anyone in a Chevy. Gary was a talented artist who loved working with his hands and making lamps out of old car parts. He was a good friend and brother to many, always willing to help anyone in need. Gary was a true patriot and could often be found watching his neighbors’ flag while drinking his morning coffee. He was a Godly man and attended services at Grace Church for several years.

In addition to his wife, Joyce, Gary is survived by his children; Jessica (Jordan) Povich of Petoskey, Wendy (Nick) Chouinard of Gladstone, and Jordan Guindon of Bark River; grandchildren, Ryan, Genevieve, Anna Renee, and Gabriel Chouinard; siblings, Gail (Ken) Prechodko of Ocala, Fla., Laura Guindon of Escanaba, Matt (Barb) Guindon of Cornell, and Julie (Mike) Smith of Escanaba; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother, Paul.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February, 27 from 1 to 2 p.m. with military rites at 1:45 p.m. at Grace Church, 528 28th Street, in Gladstone. A funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. with Gary’s brother-in-law Glenn Butts officiating.

The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the Guindon family.