Gary Arthur Finstrom

Obituary For Gary Arthur Finstrom

Gary Arthur Finstrom, age 71 of Cadillac, went home to join his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at Quiet Creek AFC in Falmouth. Gary was born on March 29, 1954 in San Antonio, TX to Harold and Lois (Geers) Finstrom. He married Gayla Rae Vander Pol on May 6, 1978 at the Vogel Center Christian Reformed Church.

Gary first and foremost loved his grandchildren and the time he spent with them. Gary served in law enforcement for 41 years and served as Wexford County Sheriff for 28 of those years and loved being sheriff. He was a member of the blue grass band White Pine Pickers, loved farming and working with his cows. Gary also enjoyed time helping family build and remodel their homes. He spent time outdoors doing activities such as hunting and fishing the rivers. He also formed the Cherry Grove Hunt Club and Brown Water Society.

He is survived by his children Ryan (Sarah) Finstrom of Grayling, Troy (Stacey) Finstrom of Marion and Jen (Jason) Luhrs of McBain. 12 grandchildren, Zoe, Alexis, Logan, Jeremiah, Kylie, Adalyn, Rylan, Brandt, Owen, Anna, Emma, and Abel, brother Greg (Connie) Finstrom of Tustin. In-law's, Keith (Dottie) Vander Pol of Rockford, Doyle (Sue) Vander Pol and Joyce Oatley of Cadillac and many nieces and nephews.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, wife Gayla Finstrom, son Chad Finstrom and his mother and father in-law, brother in-law Mike Oatley.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 26 at the Rehoboth Church of Lucas with Pastor Kathy Vana officiating. A public visitation will be held on Friday from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the church, and one hour prior to the service on Saturday. A luncheon will follow the service at the church. Burial will take place in the Maple Hill Cemetery at Cadillac. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Rehoboth Kids Ministry. A special thank you is given from the family to the staff at Quiet Creek and Dennis and Sue Rice. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Burkholder Family Funeral Home in McBain. Thoughts and prayers can be expressed to the family by visiting the online obituary at burkholderfamilyfuneralhome.com