Gary Hilgendorf

Gary Lynn Hilgendorf, age 84, passed away peacefully at his home on June 8, 2025. Born on March 30, 1941, in Owosso, Michigan, Gary was the seventeenth child of Fred and Tracy (Hamby) Hilgendorf. He grew up in a large and loving family that shaped his outgoing and affable nature.
Gary graduated from Corunna High School before enlisting in the United States Army, where he served proudly as a decoder while stationed in Germany. During his time overseas, he met the love of his life, Monika E. Hilgendorf. The two were married in Helmstedt, Germany, on March 3, 1963, and later made their home in Owosso before settling in Maple Rapids, Michigan.
Gary spent most of his career as a forklift driver for General Motors, retiring around 1996. Not one to sit still for long, he continued working for another ten years, delivering to farms for a crop service in Pompeii.
Gary was a true character-lively, talkative, and always ready with a joke. His friendliness knew no bounds; he could strike up a conversation with anyone and often did. A lifelong animal lover, Gary especially cherished the dogs that were his companions over the years.
A proud fan of college football, Gary never missed a chance to cheer on his beloved Michigan Wolverines-"Go Blue!" He also enjoyed trips to the casino during his retirement.
Gary is survived by his daughter, Rachel Thompson; granddaughter, Becca (Nicholas) Sopocy; special lifelong friends, Phil and Roger as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of fifty-six years, Monika; his son, Gary Hilgendorf, Jr.; his parents; all sixteen of his brothers and sisters; and five half-brothers.
For further information, phone McGeehan Funeral Home at 989-224-4422.