Dr. Gary Chester Lulenski

Dr. Gary Chester Lulenski, 81, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 28, 2025 in Stevensville, MI. He was born September 28, 1943 in Cleveland, OH to Chester and Eleanor (Cwiklinski) Lulenski.

After attending Yale University, Gary graduated from University of Virginia School of Medicine in 1968, then completed his internship at University of Chicago, did his residency at Loyola University Medical Center, finished his second residency at University of Michigan in 1976, and received certification from the American Board of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. He enjoyed his career as an Otolaryngologist for over 30 years. The highlight of his career was opening his private otolaryngic allergy clinic in St. Joseph, MI after working at Cedarwood Medical Center for many years. He also taught as an Adjunct Clinical Professor, Physician Assistant Program at Western Michigan University from 1986-1989.

The Berry Plan allowed Gary to defer military service until after one year of residency, and he arrived in Bien Hoa, Vietnam as a Captain and Medical Company Commander of 140 men. He was awarded a bronze star for his service as a surgeon during the war. He was proudly involved with Lest We Forget to continue to honor fellow veterans.

After his son, David, and stepson, Jason, sustained traumatic brain injuries, he worked with Mary Free Bed, where they rehabilitated, to create the Lulenski Residency in Neurological Physical Therapy, which continued for over 20 years, thanks to the generous annual donation from the Lulenski family, and is now an accredited program.

Gary enjoyed fishing, racquetball, skiing, watching sports (especially Michigan), reading suspense thrillers and historical fiction, playing Scrabble, and playing cards with friends. He was an encyclopedia of historical facts and a world traveler who was able to visit numerous countries, mostly on cruise ships with his wife, Kaye.

He is survived by his sons, Michael Lulenski and David Lulenski; daughter-in-law, Heather Lulenski; stepchildren, Bryan (Shannon) Smith, Kristen Smith, and Jason (Susan) Smith; granddaughters, Sienna and Kelsey Lulenski; step grandsons Samuel (Amanda), Josh (Emily) and Andrew Wallace; step great granddaughter, Maddie Wallace; brother, Richard Lulenski; and first wife, Mary Ann Lulenski.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Kathryn "Kaye" Lulenski; his son, Jeffrey Lulenski; his stepson, Bradley Smith; and his brother, Steven Lulenski.

He will be greatly missed by all who loved him. A military memorial service will be planned in the Fall.
Memorial donations may be made to Mary Free Bed at https://maryfreebed.com/foundation.