Gerhard "Gary" Hohentanner

Gerhard “Gary” Hohentanner was born on September 17, 1954, in Linz, Austria, to Adolf and Elisabeth Hohentanner. In 1956, he immigrated to the United States with his parents, and they were soon joined by his younger brother, Robert. Gary grew up in Detroit before the family settled in Sterling Heights, where he graduated from Cousino High School, and then Walsh College. Some of his fondest memories were made through the Carpathia Jugendgruppe with his lifelong friends, George, Rick, and Steve.

Gary worked as a tool and die maker at Atlas Tool, but those who knew him best understood that music was his true passion. He began playing snare drum in school and soon purchased his first drum set - a red sparkle Starlight kit that marked the beginning of a lifelong musical journey. Shortly after high school, he formed The Echos, later played with The Alpines, and eventually joined Sorgenbrecher in the early 1980s. Over the years, Gary never missed a chance to perform, sharing his love of music with many bands, including the Vagabonds, Spass, Harmonie, and Die Rheinlanders.

In 1981, Gary married Pauline Rebh, whom he met through the Carpathia Club. In 1989, they welcomed their daughter, Erica. Gary and Pauline shared 43 years of marriage before Pauline’s passing in 2025.

Outside of music, Gary embraced life with energy and enthusiasm. He loved gardening, cooking, rollerblading, bike riding, and riding his motorcycle. He cherished sharing those passions with his daughter, Erica, and was proud to pass along his musical talent to his granddaughter, Emma. Emma and her Opa spent countless happy times together playing rhythms on a drum pad and strumming guitars side by side - moments that will remain treasured memories.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Adolf and Elisabeth Hohentanner, his brother-in-law Norbert, niece Deena, and by his beloved wife, Pauline. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Erica and Ryan, granddaughter Emma, brother and sister-in-law Robert and Teri, and nephews Fred, Scott (Sarah), and Brian. He is remembered fondly by many cousins and friends.

Visitation Thursday, May 21st from 2pm until 8pm at A.H. Peters Funeral Home, 32000 Schoenherr Road, Warren, MI 48088. Visitation Friday, May 22nd from 9am until time of Funeral Service at 10am at A.H. Peters Funeral Home in Warren. Gary will be laid to rest at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Twp.