Gary John Nentwig, age 80, passed away peacefully in St. Pete Beach, Florida, on September 15, 2025. Born on November 6, 1944, in Saginaw, Michigan, he was the son of Gerald Edward Nentwig and Mary Katherine Rick.
Gary proudly served in the United States Navy for four years before dedicating 40 years of his career to General Motors (Grey Iron and Nodular Iron) as a skilled tradesman. On August 29, 1970, he married his loving and devoted wife, Gloria Rae Schauman, and together they recently celebrated 55 years of marital bliss. Their union was blessed with two daughters: Lisa Rae Nentwig and Darcy Lynn (Joe) Born.
An avid outdoorsman, Gary found joy in hunting, fishing, and spending time in Traverse City, Michigan. After retiring, he and Gloria embraced the warmth and beauty of St. Pete Beach, eventually making it their permanent home.
Gary was known for his quick wit, love of storytelling, and ability to make others laugh. Above all, he cherished time spent with his wife and daughters.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Judith Raymond, and his son-in-law Joe Born.
Gary is survived by his beloved wife Gloria, daughters Lisa Rae and Darcy Lynn, sister Martha (Felix) Escarino, and many cherished in-laws: Keith and Linda Schauman, Mark and Kimberley Schauman, Karen Ferguson and her partner Charlie Olszewski. He is also survived by his dear cousin Barbara (John) Russell, who was like a sister to him, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins who loved him deeply.
A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 12:00 PM at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, located at 445 82nd Ave., St. Pete Beach, FL. Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM at the church. Interment will take place at a later date at Bay Pines National Military Cemetery in St. Petersburg, Florida.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John Vianney Catholic Church or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation in Gary’s memory.
