Gary A. Bourdeau

Gary A. Bourdeau, 79, of Marquette, passed away on March 15, 2026, at Michigan Veteran Homes D.J. Jacobetti, Memory Care Unit.

Gary was born in June of 1946 in Lake Linden, Michigan, to George E. and Lorraine A. (Dessellier) Bourdeau. He attended Lake Linden-Hubbell High School. He was very athletic and a valuable member of all school sports throughout high school. He graduated from Lake Linden-Hubbell High School in 1964 and went on to attend Suomi College. After completing two years ant Suomi, he planned to transfer to Michigan Technological University in the fall. It was during this interim that he lost his Student deferment and was drafted into the U.S. Army, August of 1966. He received his Basic Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.

While attending Michigan Tech, Gary was drafted into the U.S. Army. Following basic training, he was stationed in San Francisco, California, where he trained as a military policeman. He was later deployed to Vietnam, where he faithfully served his country until 1968.

After Basic Training, he returned home to Lake Linden on leave in October, 1966. While on leave, on the fifteenth of October, Gary married Mary R. Normand. Shortly thereafter, he was stationed at Presidio of San Francisco, California, for Military Police Training. From there, he was deployed to Vietnam in 1967, where he faithfully served his country until 1968.

After returning stateside, he resumed his education at Northern Michigan University . He also began working for Bunny Bread during summer breaks. He completed his degrees at Northern. However he chose to stay with Bunny Bread. He was a people person. As a route salesman, driver supervisor, and thrift store manager, he met and enjoyed knowing numerous people across the entire Upper Peninsula. Gary started with the company, Bunny Bread, but nine company ownerships later, he retired from Bimbo Bakeries in 2020.

Together, Gary and Mary made their home in Marquette, raising two sons, Douglas and Daniel. Gary thoroughly enjoyed sports, especially slow pitch softball, golf, and basketball. He was actively involved in local teams throughout the years and cherished the camaraderie and competition. He was also a member of the Elks Club and Marquette American Legion Post 44.

Above all, Gary loved his family. He treasured time spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, creating lasting memories with those he held dear.

Gary is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Mary Bourdeau of Marquette; his two sons, Douglas J. (Jill) Bourdeau Sr. of Big Bay and Daniel J. Bourdeau of Marquette; two grandsons, Douglas J. (Andrea) Bourdeau Jr. of Ishpeming and Cody Bourdeau of Big Bay; four great-grandchildren, Baylie, Aiden, Chase, and Ellie Bourdeau. He is also survived by his brother, Roger Bourdeau of Ypsilanti; sisters-in-law, Emmy Bourdeau of Lake Linden and Nina Bourdeau of Ypsilanti; brothers and sisters-in-law, C. James (Dotty) Normand of Sierra Vista, Arizona, Bernard (Connie) Normand of Troy, Michigan, Ann Maher of Berlin, Connecticut and Carol (Tom) Normand of Tucson, Arizona; along with several nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Lorraine Bourdeau. Within the last year, he has lost brothers, Dale and Ronald Bourdeau. Sadly there have also been a number of siblings, nephews, and a niece that he lost over the years.

Family will greet relatives and friends on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services from 10:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., where a light social gathering will be held. A memorial service will follow at 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home, with Rev. Tom Merkel officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Gary's name to any one of his favored charities: Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, Wounded Warrior Project, Project K9 Hero, Elks Foundation and the American Legion.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting Gary's family, where memories and condolences may be shared online.