Gary Kenneth Cottrell

With sadness we announce the passing of Gary Kenneth Cottrell on January 2, 2026, at the age of 78. Gary passed away at McReynolds hall in Gaylord, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on April 23, 1947, in Grayling, MI, Gary was the son of Kenneth and Marian (Cherwinski) Cottrell. He spent his youth in Vanderbilt, graduating from Vanderbilt High School in 1965.

During the 1960's, Gary went to work at Standard Products in Gaylord, before being drafted and serving honorably in the United States Army. After his discharge in 1968, he returned home and back to Standard Products.

An avid motorcyclist throughout his life, Gary was injured in an accident the fall of 1968. After recuperating and returning to work, he met a new employee by the name of Donna Lynn Pichan. They began dating, fell in love, and were married in Gaylord at Trinity Lutheran Church on July 12, 1969. Gary and Donna began their life together in Gaylord where they started their family that would include sons, John and David.

Gary later went to work with his father-in-law at Lakeside Fence Company, and eventually went to work at General Telephone Company, retiring in the fall of 2003. Gary was known for his hard work as a lineman for the telephone company, where he spent many years serving the community. He will be remembered not only for his professionalism but also for his willingness to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He made many lasting friendships through his work.

He and Donna enjoyed riding motorcycles. They traveled around Lake Superior, to Wyoming and South Dakota, and many trips to the U.P. over the 50 plus years . A trip to Alaska with two other couples traveling in a motor home was a memorable trip. They also enjoyed many years staying the month of April at Perdido Key, Florida with many of the General crew.

Gary enjoyed spending time at his cabin in Canada and with their RV on their property at Otsego Lake, where he enjoyed spending time reading. He enjoyed family camping trips, hunting and firearms. As a longtime member of the Northland Sportsmen's Club, he was selected as Sportsman of the Year 2019.

He is survived by Donna, his wife of 56 years; his mother, Marian Cottrell of Gaylord; his two sons, John (Dawn) Cottrell of Gaylord, and David (Jodie) Cottrell of Bay City: as well as his cherished grandchildren, Lance (Alaina) Cottrell, Liza (Peter McGrath) Cottrell, and Logan Gary Cottrell. He leaves behind his sister Renee (Henry) Nowicki; his brother-in-law Dan (Lynne) Pichan; nephews, Drew Pichan, and Ty Pichan; and niece, Jennifer (Adam) Brissette. He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Cottrell.

A memorial service to celebrate Gary's life will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, January 9, 2025 at Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service, where the family will visit with friends beginning at 10:30 AM. A luncheon will follow at Trinity Lutheran Church. We encourage everyone who knew Gary to join his family, celebrating his life and the impact he had on so many.

Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions to Compassus Hospice, at the funeral home, at http://www.compassus.com, or by mail at 1723 M-32, Gaylord, MI 49735. The family appreciates their care and compassion shown to Gary in his final days.

Gary will be deeply missed but will live on in our hearts and memories.