Gary L. Holmgren

1954 - 2024

Gary Lee Holmgren, age 69, passed away Sunday, October 6, 2024. He was born November 4, 1954, in Grand Rapids, MI to Richard and Helga (Osterby) Holmgren. Gary went to Ravenna High School and graduated from Grant High School in 1972. On April 19, 1974, he married Cynthia J. "Cindy" Paprocki in Sparta, MI, and were blessed with 50 wonderful years together. Gary was a farmer at heart and worked many years in different capacities in the industry. He loved all things John Deere, being outdoors, was an avid hunter, and enjoyed collecting guns. He loved tools, was a farming equipment fabricator, and was very meticulous when it came to his lawn. He was also a member of the Kent City American Legion Post #123. Gary was a very family-oriented man. He loved to watch his grandchildren play sports, loved his time with his family watching football and spending time at Half Moon Lake on the weekends doing various water sports. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Gary is survived by his wife, Cindy; daughter, Amber Johnson of Ravenna; son, Dustin (Kate) Holmgren of Grant; four grandchildren: Natalie and Hunter Holmgren and Harley and Jaylynn Johnson; three brothers: Richard "Dave" (Melitta) Holmgren of Texas, Mark (Rachel) Holmgren of Florida, Dale (Pat) Stream of Florida; four sisters: Vicki (Martin) Rosel of Ravenna, Michelle (Pat) Carroll of Florida, Kyle Crawford of Muskegon, and Kris (Randy) Ehrlinger of Indiana; step-mother, Marilyn Holmgren of Florida; special in-laws: Joann Paprocki, Kathy (Doug) Geib, Bruce Kozik, Joe (Lisa) Paprocki, and Mike (LaRaine) Paprocki; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Marshall Lee Holmgren in 2002; brother-in-law, Ray Paprocki; and sister-in-law, Judy Kozik. A visitation to celebrate Gary's life will be held from 2-4 PM Sunday, October 13, 2024 at The Ravenna Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 3570 Thomas St., Ravenna, MI 49451 (231) 853-6511. MEMORIALS to the Ravenna Fire Department or the Harbor Hospice Foundation will be appreciated. Share memories with the family at their online Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com