Gary Edward Guenther

Gary was born in Fort Madison, Iowa, to Walter and Mildred Guenther. It was there that his love of math, science, athletics and the outdoors developed, which shaped many of the interests he would carry throughout his life.

Gary attended Iowa State University, where he earned a degree in civil engineering and met Elizabeth “Betty” Brock. After his graduation, they married and began building their family.

After college, Gary began his career with DuPont, moving for his job three times in as many years, working in several locations across the country. After their first child was born, Gary and Betty began looking for more stability and a place to put down roots.

The family settled in Michigan, where Gary began working in the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for the State of Michigan. He also began taking night classes, while still working full-time and raising a family, which had grown to three kids. He eventually earned a master’s degree in political science from Western Michigan University.

Gary found his calling within the Michigan DNR’s environmental protection program, eventually becoming head of the program in 1980. His career reflected something that remained important to him throughout his life: protecting and enjoying the natural world.

Gary and Betty raised their three children in Okemos, Michigan. Though they divorced after 31 years, the family they built together continued to grow through grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

Gary is survived by his three children: David Guenther and his wife, Teresa; Brian Guenther; and Debbie Horak and her husband, Chris.

He is also survived by eight grandchildren and one great-grandson. He was preceded in death by one granddaughter.

Gary is also survived by his sisters, Maribeth Guenther and Beverly Schmitt and her husband, John.

Retirement gave Gary more time to pursue his love of adventure and the outdoors. He became an avid touring bicyclist, riding across the United States from coast to coast twice, as well as cycling through many other countries. He volunteered with various bicycle organizations and The Nature Conservancy. He also served on the volunteer bike patrol at Saguaro National Park while spending his winters in Tucson, Arizona.

In his last years, his health issues brought him back to Michigan so he could be closer to family.

The memories his family treasures most are of time spent outdoors together, sharing in his appreciation for nature. In particular, they fondly recall canoeing and fishing in the Boundary Waters of northern Minnesota.

Gary lived a life filled with curiosity, independence, adventure and a deep appreciation for the natural world. Whether he was working to protect Michigan’s environment, crossing the country on a bicycle, adventuring in northern Minnesota or exploring the desert landscape of Arizona, he found meaning in being outside and in motion.

His family will remember the many chapters of a life well-lived and the experiences, lessons and love of nature he leaves behind.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial contributions to The Nature Conservancy, an organization whose mission and work were meaningful to Gary.