He was born on March 11, 1949, in Detroit, to Joseph and Lillian (Imbier) Werschler. He was a graduate of the University of Detroit and Wayne State University, and started his career at the General Motors Design Center. He had a 40 year career in Computer Software Engineering Design Automation, and retired from Siemens in 2015, as Senior Management.
Gary spent many years in the Lake Orion and Clarkston area raising his family with his cherished and deeply loved wife Fran, until her passing in 2004. In 2006, Gary met Jayne and they were married in 2014 at Saint Anne’s Catholic Church on Mackinac Island. Gary was a talented builder and together with Jayne, they built their home on Torch Lake in Northern Michigan where they both retired.
Gary loved music, having played classical piano all of his life. He was a man who lived by example. He was faithful, kind, thoughtful and always had a soft spot for the littlest ones among us. Gary loved nature and the outdoors. He and Jayne spent much time walking, hiking, biking, swimming and boating at their Up North home. He also ran every day. Gary loved his Catholic Faith. He and Jayne frequently incorporated Mass into their exploring activities, at one of the many parishes located in their area. In 2016, they settled on Sacred Heart Catholic Church as their home parish. He also enjoyed serving others, and was a volunteer for the Traverse City Goodwill Food Harvest Program. Gary’s faith also extended to our Detroit sports teams, no matter what—especially the Red Wings.
He is survived by his wife, Jayne Fennell Foran; children, Carolyn Marie, Evan Joseph, Kathryn Ann, and Kylie Frances; step-sons, Evan Foran (Laura) and Stephen Foran (Susan); grandchildren, Cloe Macareno Werschler and Nolan Foran; mother and father-in-law, Margene and Jay Fennell ; and many beloved sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and dear friends.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Lillian and Joseph; and, his wife, Frances Werschler.
A Catholic service will take place on Tuesday, January 16th, at 11:00, at Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church in Lake Orion, with a luncheon immediately following the service. There will be time for visiting from 9-11 at the church, prior to the Mass. Burial will take place in the fall at Lakeview Cemetery in Torch Lake, Michigan.
Memorial contributions may be made to BakhitaCharities.org.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Covell Funeral Home of Elk Rapids.
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