Gary L. Quackenbush

Livestream link for service here Gary L. Quackenbush passed away on Thursday, September 22, 2022 at the age of 63. His family and friends are greatly grieved at his passing, but also celebrate Gary’s life – his legacy of faith in Jesus Christ; his leadership of his family, church, community, and work; and his love for his wife, children, grandchildren, and friends. Meaningful relationships were central to Gary’s life; he was a husband, best friend, Poppa, Uncle Gary, dad, brother, church elder, business leader, coach, and more. However, above all other names and relationships he cherished his identity as a follower of Jesus Christ, saved by the grace of God. Gary loved deeply, and was deeply loved by, his wife Sherry. He found great joy and edification through their relationship and loved spending time with her by traveling, exploring new locations, camping and biking, and spending time with her any way he could. Their relationship began in high school, and spanned 41 blessed years of marriage. A life-long learner (and brilliant engineer and tinkerer), Gary graduated from Sparta High School in 1977 and the University of Michigan College of Engineering in 1982. He spent his career as an Engineering Manager at Lear Siegler, Smiths Industries, and GE Aviation. Throughout his work, he was known for his integrity, character, competence, and willingness to address challenging situations. Gary retired in 2020 in order to spend more time with his wife and family. To call Gary an avid outdoorsman would be an understatement – his love for celebrating God’s creation was unparalleled. A deer hunter and bear hunter, Gary also loved to spend time in his ‘woods’ where he stewarded the resources of his property to heat his home via woodstove for almost 4 decades. Also, he cherished camping trips with his wife, kids, and grandkids. Gary was baptized in Lake Michigan in 2006; as he rose out of the water, his face beamed with joy and he loudly proclaimed, “Jesus is in me!” Gary lived his life with a love for the Word of God, which he faithfully read every day. His family and friends are encouraged by his testimony and are confident that, while they grieve, Gary is worshiping and rejoicing in heaven. In addition to Sherry, he is survived by his 5 adult children: Tera (Bryan) DeRuiter, Emily (Adam) Richter, Stuart (Ashley) Quackenbush, Lee (Heather) Quackenbush, and Alexander Quackenbush; by his 12 beloved grandchildren: Carter, Oliver, Mackenzie, Cohen, Eleanor, Ivy, Vera, Adelynn, Emerson, Annabel, Elijah, and one to-be-named; by his sister Adele Davis; and by too many good friends and neighbors to count. Gary’s life, and passing to eternity, will be celebrated with visitations at Bella Vista Church in Rockford on Monday, Sept 26 from 4pm-8pm and on Tuesday, Sept 27 from 10am-10:45am. A memorial service will be held at the same location on Tuesday, Sept 27 at 11am. The family asks that any donations are directed to three organizations that Gary supported and believed in: The Pregnancy Resource Center in Grand Rapids, Life International 72 Ransom Ave. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503, or the Bella Vista Church Missions Fund. Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs.