Gary L. Dema Sr.

Gary Lane Dema Sr., 77, of Cedar Lake, Indiana, passed away in his home on December 9th, 2024. He was born January 19th, 1947 in Evansville, Indiana to Michael and Flora (nee Burnett) Dema.
Gary attended Austin and Marshall high schools in Chicago, Illinois. He met Marilyn Bowyer, and after dating for a year, was drafted into the military November 1967. They were married May 25th, 1968, just two weeks after receiving orders to Vietnam. Gary honorably served the United States Army from June 1968 to June 1969. During his assignment, his jobs included being a mechanic for the 1st Air Cavalry and loading ammo nets for helicopters. After he returned home, he became a certified pile driver and welder, working for the Local 578 and Local 74 for 37 years. His experience included pile driving for the Lake Michigan retaining walls in Chicago, the Sears Tower and John Hancock building. His work also facilitated moving the U505 submarine into the Museum of Science and Industry, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
Ever since he was a boy, he enjoyed taking things apart and rebuilding them to understand how they work. His curious mind allowed him to find creative solutions to complex problems, and these unique abilities allowed him to tackle any task. He was a skilled mechanic that enjoyed repairing things around the house, and his carpentry skills allowed him to remodel his home and complete many other projects throughout the years. Gary had a great sense of humor and loved making everyone laugh. He always had a new joke to tell at family gatherings or over a game of cards. He loved history and enjoyed sharing his most recently discovered fun fact over a cup of coffee. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Fraternal Order of Eagles for 40 years.
Following his prolonged struggle with illness and debilitating pain, we can all take comfort in the knowledge that he is no longer suffering and can rest in eternal peace. He will be missed and fondly remembered by everyone.
Gary is preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Roger, Albert, Michael and Norman. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Marilyn (nee Bowyer), his children Gary Dema, Jr. (Doris), Shannon Rea (Samuel), his grandchildren Adriena, Alyssa, Emily (Trevor), Samuel (Emma), Peter (Rachel), Marcus (Maria), Nathaniel (Molly), and his great-grandchildren Nikko, Vincent, Isabella, and Naomi, with one more on the way.
A memorial visitation will be held in Gary's honor at 1:00 p.m. until the time of the memorial service at 2:00 p.m. on December 22nd, 2024 at the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Cedar Lake, Indiana.