Gary Lee Nielsen

Gary was born in Trufant, Michigan on Nov. 1, 1936, the son of Gordon and Irene Nielsen. Gary grew up in the very close and loving small town of Trufant. Gary graduated from Lakeview High School in 1954. After graduation Gary joined his father's insurance company where he remained until retirement.

Throughout Gary's life he enjoyed sports. He was a legend in his own right at his high school where he ran track, played baseball, football and of course his favorite sport basketball. Gary loved the Tigers and faithfully followed them throughout the years. Gary's constant happy personality and enthusiastic encouragement has touched and enriched so many lives throughout the years.

Soon after joining the family business Gary married Mary Louise Wilson whom he had known his entire life. They welcomed a son, Larry Edward in September 1958 and later welcomed their daughter, Tara Jane in 1970. Gary was a devoted father and friend to his children. He never missed a sporting event and was their biggest fan.

Fast forward, Gary met the love of his life, Carolyn Tooker in 1994. They were married in 1996 and spent the next 27 years traveling, golfing, playing tennis and spending time with their grandchildren. Throughout their adventures they were blessed to have met many life long friends through Gary's softball teams and their homes in Michigan and Florida. Gary and Carolyn made an amazing team together and their love grew stronger every year. Gary's greatest joy was watching his 13 grandchildren play sports.

Surviving are two children Larry Nielsen and Tara (Jim) Babbitt, three step children; Trevor (Lori) Tooker, Traci (Rick) Costen, and Jason (Bethany) Tooker. 13 grandchildren; Trevor N., Mitchell, Jack, Lilly, Elizabeth (Brandon), Lindsey (Alex), Jordan, Trevor, Spencer, Brenden, Riley, Kaeden, Emmalynn and one precious great granddaughter, Charlotte.

Preceded in death are his mother, Irene Nielsen and father, Gordon Nielsen, brothers Gordon and Robert Nielsen and sister Germaine Buchholz.

A celebration of life will be held at 1:00pm Sunday, March 27, 2022 at the Spanish Lakes Fairways Clubhouse; 6200 Nuevo Lagos Ft. Pierce, FL 34951. Officiating will be Pastor Craig. Luncheon to follow.

There will be another Celebration of Life later this spring at St. Thomas Lutheran Church in Trufant, MI. More details to come soon.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to VNA Hospice House of Vero Beach @ 901 37th St. Vero Beach, FL 32960.