Troy, Michigan at the age of 79. Gary was born July 21, 1939 in Detroit, Michigan to the late Edgar and
Margaretha Schwede. He was the only boy of 4 children.
Beloved husband of the late Carolyn Schwede (d. 2011) and formerly of the late Mary Schwede (d. 1989). He was the loving Father of David F. Schwede and Christine (Kevin) Nofz; Dear brother of Barbara (Dennis) Lauer, sister Caroll (the late Toss) Bortles and sister Darlene (Scott) Maze. Loving grandfather of James Schwede, Christine Haywood, Jason Keene, Shelley Keene, Taylor Keene, and Percilla (Clifford) Rutledge. Great Grandfather to Natia, Emily, Sara, Elias, Jace, Jaina, and the late Alec. Gary also leaves behind many in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends.
Gary retired from General Motors, where he was a Hi Lo driver for 46 years.. His co-workers knew him as "Smiley".
In his leisure time, Gary enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening, making candles and playing with his
beloved dog "Daisy". He was known to take homemade desserts to area restaurants to compare recipes. His holiday desserts were famous, especially his cheesecake, peach pie and cranberry jello. He could grow anything and his green-thumb was unstoppable. His yard was always filled with seasonal flowers that he was proud of.
Gary was a true sports fan, who was loyal to the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions and University of
Michigan Wolverines. Gary also had fun belonging to a CB club. His passion, however, was his family. He simply loved being a husband, dad, brother, grandpa, and great-grandpa. Gary brightened everyone’s life with his smile, words of encouragement, charm and wonderful stories about his life on the farm. He will be deeply missed by all that knew and loved him.
A Memorial service to celebrate his life will be held Saturday, October 6, 2018 at 11:00am Christ
Our King Lutheran Church 3255 Saline Waterworks Road, Saline, Michigan 48176. With an evening
gathering at the home of his grandson, James: 5400 Kreger St. Sterling Heights, MI 48310.
The church service will be led by Pastor Thomas L. Schroeder.
He will be laid to rest with his late wife Carolyn, in Glen Eden Lutheran Memorial Park Cemetery,
Livonia, Michigan 48152.
Generous to a fault, he gave to every charity that asked, and more. In lieu of flowers, his family
appreciates memorial donations to his church: Christ Our King Lutheran Church 3255 Waterworks Road
Saline, Michigan 48176
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared in the guest book for the Schwede
family. Please select "Share a Memory" to leave a message
