Gary was raised in Detroit and graduated from Servite High School in 1959. From there he joined the Air Force and served from 1960-1964 as a Sentry Dog Handler, and he had a special place in his heart for his first service dog, Danny Boy. His working years included flooring, tiling, Leader Dogs for the blind in Rochester, MI, and furniture salesman at Gardner White, Art Van, and Sears. In 1997 he married his sweetheart, Paula, they've spent the last 26 years together. Gary was quick to be comedic, well known to make people laugh. In his spare time, he enjoyed bowling, euchre, and he especially loved training dogs. Gary will be missed by his entire family, his most recent family puppy, Emma, and everyone who knew him.
Gary is survived by his Wife, Paula Schalk; Children, Mary Kay Smalley Michels, Terri Lynn (Allen) Graves, William Gary Schalk, Tracy Jennette Boufford, & Brett Michael (Jennifer) Schalk; Grandchildren, Thomas, Sandra, Pamela, Tamara, John, Katie, Matthew, Sandy, Ashley, Courtney, Katelynn, & Olivia; 23 Great Grandchildren & 2 Great-Great Grandchildren; Siblings, Eileen Nowak & Thomas (Phyllis) Schalk, and also additional Step Children and Step grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his precious daughter Josina Christine Schalk who died during the COVID epidemic, his son Gerald "Tinker" Warren Heath, and his sister Karen Lepard.
A memorial visitation for Gary will be held Monday, July 31, 2023, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM with a Memorial Service at 6:30 PM at Kaul Funeral Home, 35201 Garfield Rd, Clinton Township, MI 48035.
If you are unable to make it to the Memorial Service , Live streaming is available through a zoom, information provided below:
Topic: Gary Schalk Memorial Service
Time: Jul 31, 2023 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://zoom.us/j/6531228469?pwd=M0RaZjFxWUtBQUwvUjRoNUd6YXp6dz09
Meeting ID: 653 122 8469
Passcode: 05201941
