Gary Lee Klonowski

Gary Lee Klonowski Saint Charles, Michigan
Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend passed away unexpectedly at his home in Saint Charles, Michigan on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at the age of 74. The son of the late Clarence and Kathryn (Waligorski) Klonowski was born on June 6, 1950 in Saginaw, Michigan. He married the love of his life, Deborah "Deb" Leland on August 31, 1970 and they were able to spend 54 wonderful years together full of family, love and laughter. Shortly after their wedding Gary was drafted into the military. As a proud American, Gary served in the United States Army from 1970 until 1972 during the Vietnam War. An excellent shot, he set a marksmanship record at bootcamp, but discovered his talents were better suited for being a clerk and cook at the hospital. He retired from General Motors in 1999, after many years on the assembly line. He and his wife, Deb, owned and operated the Carrollton bar for many years with his brother Ron and his wife, Jean Klonowski. An avid outdoorsman he enjoyed going to The Farm, up in God's Country, where he spent many hours bow hunting. Gary never left home without his trusty chainsaw, without fail, if there was a down tree across the road, Gary would find it. For many years he and his family enjoyed time up at the cabin at eight-point lake. With his newfound free time, Gary enjoyed going eagle sighting with his wife, fishing, more hunting and golfing. He was part of the Carrollton Bar Golf Team for many years and the American Legion Post 225. He and Deb were members of Mary of The Immaculate Conception Parish of St. Charles.
Surviving to cherish his memory are his wife Deb; daughter, Kelli (Paul) Wazny; son, Matt Klonowski; grandchildren, Rhys Wazny, Jena Wazny, and Tyler Klonowski; siblings, Greg (Dorothy) Brefka, Cy Brefka, Barb Henry; sisters-in-law, Jean Klonowski, Kathleen Klonowski, Sandra Leland, Leslie Leland; brothers-in-law, Charles Leland and Herb Ziehl; his canine companion, Cleo and cat, Pheobe; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He is lovingly reunited with his son, Todd Klonowski; his father, Clarence; his parents Kathryn and Floyd Brefka; siblings, Ron Klonowski, Jim Klonowski, and Bibiana Ziehl; father and mother-in-law, Merle and Varian Leland; and brother-in-law, Art Henry; cousins Bill and Bob; and niece, Rickijean.
In accordance with Gary and his family's wishes cremation has taken place. A Funeral Mass will take place at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at Mary of the Immaculate Conception, 708 Sanderson St., St. Charles Michigan 48655. Rev. Fr. Robert J. Kelm will officiate. Immediately following the service Military Honors will be conducted by the American Legion Post 468 and United States Army. Friends may visit with the family at the Church, Mary of the Immaculate Conception, on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Those wishing to make a donation in honor of Gary's life may consider memorial contributions to the Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center and the American Eagle Foundation. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gary, please visit our floral store.