Gary Lee VerStrate

Gary Lee VerStrate, 75, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 2, 2025 at home under the care of Hearth Hospice surrounded by his loving family.

Gary was born on August 16, 1950 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  He spent his early years in Cedar Springs, Michigan where he graduated from Cedar Springs High School.  After graduation, Gary proudly served his country in the U.S. Airforce during the Vietnam Era.  Gary returned home after his military service and began a career in engineering that would span several decades until his retirement, working for several companies including Wells Aluminum in Parchment, Michigan, Bowers Manufacturing Company in Kalamazoo, Michigan and Federal-Mogul Inc. in Greenville, Michigan.  In his spare time, Gary enjoyed woodworking and music of all kinds. Although he loved taking care of his yard and also enjoyed gardening, his favorite times were spent with the ones he loved.  Gary moved down south several years ago to Ludowici, Georgia where he enjoyed a slower pace of life spending time with his loved ones living there.  His wife of fifty-two years, Linda Fae Coy VerStrate; mother and step-father, Joyce and John Pellerito; brother, Michael VerStrate; sister, Debby Snyder and granddaughter, Brittany Balwinski, all preceded him in death.

Survivors include his children, Brandy Sage and husband, Todd of Baldwin, Michigan, Amber Napier of Greenfield, Indiana, Brian VerStrate of Ludowici, Georgia, Tabitha VerStrate of Bangor, Michigan and Joseph VerStrate and wife, Joyce of Ludowici, Georgia; siblings, Harold “Butch” VerStrate and wife, Cheryl of Airway Heights, Washington, Carolyn Kirves and husband, Greg of Pensacola, Florida, Robin Adema and husband, John of Michigan, Jonni Vaudenburg and husband, Jeff of Fenwick, Michigan and Laura Ferguson and husband, Matt of Michigan; grandchildren, Bethany, Austin, Stephen, Maleik, Evan, Grace, Mychaila, Chance, Abagail and Aubrey and great grandchildren, Miracle, Persephonee, Delilah, Rohan and Ashlynn.  A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members also survive.

Memorial services will be private.

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