Gary Penn

Gary Jean Penn, age 88, of Sturgis, Michigan, passed away Sunday, March 8, 2026, at Skaggs Assisted Living in Burr Oak, Michigan.

He was born November 9, 1937, in Sturgis, Michigan, the son of the late C. Hubert and Pauline (Swoveland) Penn.

Gary spent his early childhood in northern Indiana before moving to Sturgis, Michigan, (though he graduated from Centreville High School). On February 5, 1955, he married the love of his life, Frances Ann Schrader, at Nottawa United Methodist Church. Together they recently celebrated 71 wonderful years of marriage.

Gary was known as a hardworking and dedicated man. As a young adult, he held several jobs, including selling Fuller Brush and Kirby vacuum products door to door, delivering milk for City Dairy, and working at Newport Business Forms. He later earned his insurance license and began a long career with Farm Bureau Insurance, where he faithfully served the community for 28 years. Even after retiring, Gary remained active, working for a time as a courier for Sturgis Bank & Trust.

Faith, service, and community were central parts of Gary's life. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club and Gideons International. At Sturgis Wesleyan Church, he served on the church board, taught Sunday School for many years, and joyfully participated in the choir and a men's quartet, sharing both his faith and his love of music.

Gary is survived by his beloved wife, Frances Penn; one son, Terry (Karen) Penn of Sturgis, Michigan; and three daughters, Traci Ware of White Pigeon, Michigan, Toni Ragland of Columbia, Tennessee, and Tami (Michael) Miller of Greenville, Michigan. He was a proud grandfather to Tricia, Stephanie, Marc, Brooke, Trevor, Kevin, Corey, Maria, Andrew, Brian, and Tara, and he was also blessed with several great-grandchildren. He is also survived by one sister-in-law, Mary Ellen Carpenter, along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Gaylord and Ronnie Penn; sisters, Joy Stukey and Hope Keeslar; grandson, Christopher Miller; and son-in-law, Tom Ware.

The family will receive friends and relatives on Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 1050 E. Fawn River Road, Sturgis, Michigan 49091.

A service celebrating Gary's life will be held at 1:00 P.M. with Pastor Doug Noonkester officiating. Immediately following the visitation, there will be a luncheon at the church. Graveside services and interment will be at Nottawa Cemetery following the luncheon.

Memorial donations in Gary's memory may be directed to Gideons International or the First Baptist Church. Envelopes will be available at Hackman Family Funeral Homes of Sturgis, which has been entrusted with the arrangements.