Gary Wayne Uhl

Gary Wayne Uhl’s big heart stopped beating at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 while at home in Rochester Hills, MI under hospice care. His body finally gave up after bravely battling prostate cancer for nine years.

Gary was born in Medina, Ohio on July 19, 1950, the son of Vivian Van Houten, who survives him, and Wayne “Jeep” Uhl. He is also survived by his only sister, Sherry (Robert) Oberhardt, and nephews, Grant (Anne) Tozer and Brandon (Stacey) Oberhardt. Gary’s extended family includes aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends all over the country. He married Bea Barth in 1970 and had two daughters, Jennifer Kirk and Stephanie Uhl. Jen and her husband, Phil Craig, gave Gary his only grandchild, David Craig, whom he loved with all his heart. Gary was called by three nicknames: Dad, Gramps, and Dear, but never Late for Dinner.

After Bea and Gary were divorced in 1990, he found the love of life, Peggy Fisher, with whom he spent the rest of his days. She introduced him to her passion, which quickly became his, and for the next twenty-five years, they produced a Halloween Haunted House which was built inside their home, garage and yard. Over 10,000 children and adults visited this free, scary attraction that was open one night of the year. They were fortunate enough to host this event both in Columbus, OH where they lived before moving to Michigan in 1998, and in Rochester Hills until 2019. Gary also enjoyed hosting Murder Mystery dinner parties with Peggy for which he built elaborate sets.

As a young man, Gary worked for his father’s construction business during the summers building homes in Creston, OH. He ran crews at the young age of 12. This experience served him well the rest of his life, as he used his carpentry skills to remodel homes, to help neighbors with home projects, and to start a later career as a finish carpenter.

Gary graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, a Master’s degree in Business Administration, and a fanatical, lifelong love for Ohio State football, which was challenged many times when he moved to Michigan. His career started as a mechanical engineer, but as computers gained acceptance in business, he became Director of IT for technology companies. After his last company was bought and moved out of state, Gary’s career changed courses and he became a finish carpenter in much demand.

Gary made friends with everyone he met while walking his dogs, chance meetings in grocery and hardware stores, and anywhere else he found people who needed a smile. He always maintained a smile on his face even when things were tough on him. Most of all, Gary loved his family and will be missed dearly by them, as well as his many friends.

Family and friends may call from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at the Pixley Funeral Home, 322 West University Drive in Rochester, MI. A Time of Sharing will be held beginning at 5:30 p.m.

To sign the online register or to send a personal condolence note, please visit www.pixleyfh.com. In lieu of flowers donations may in sent to the Michigan Animal Rescue League at 790 Featherstone St., Pontiac, MI 48342 (248) 335-9290 marl.org.