GARY TIPSWORD Obituary
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Negaunee Township
Gary Leroy Tipsword, 91, formerly of Negaunee Township, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday Aug 10th, 2025 at Brookridge Heights Assisted Living in Marquette, Michigan.
Gary was born December 3, 1933 in Detroit, MI to Leroy and Florence "Tommy" (Rochon) Tipsword. He entered military service with the Air Force in 1953 and served until 1957. He attended Eastern Michigan University graduating in 1961 with a Bachelor's Degree in Business, and later earned a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Kent State University.
Gary was an educator for 23 ½ years in both Ohio and Michigan, with most of those years coming as an English teacher at Ishpeming High School. He was active in the Negaunee Elks Lodge, serving multiple times as Exalted Ruler. He loved outdoor activities and was an avid hunter, fisherman, snowmobiler, and loved cruising the Dead River Basin in his pontoon boat. During their later years, Gary and Polly spent the winter months in Greenacres, FL and enjoyed many sports and activities with friends and family.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years Pauline "Polly" Tipsword in August of 2022. Surviving are his sister, Carol (Tipsword) Stott of Negaunee Township; his children: Lisa (Kenton Potila) Tipsword of Ishpeming, MI, Dave (Dawn) Tipsword of Palmer, MI, Chris (Kathy) Tipsword of Grand Blanc, MI, and his former son-in-law, Eric (Tami) Stott of Oklahoma City, OK; his grandchildren: Allana (Mike Bush) Stott, Eric (Jennie) Stott Jr, Cassie Stott, Erin (Cameron Allman) Stott, Connal Potila, Allen (Ana) Tipsword, Alex (Kimberly Tracy) Tipsword, Meghan Tipsword, Jordyn (Hunter Stiff) Tipsword, Joshua Tipsword; multiple nieces, nephews, great grandchildren and numerous extended family members across the country.
Gary's family would like to extend a special heartfelt Thanks to the staff at Brookridge Heights Assisted Living Facility and to the staff of U.P. Home Health and Hospice for the wonderful and compassionate care they provided for Gary during his time there.
In accordance with Gary's wishes, no services or celebration of life will be held. No memorial contributions are necessary, but prayers for the family and fond remembrances of Gary are appreciated.
Mr. Tipsword's memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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106 West Main Street P.O. Box 146, Negaunee, MI 49866
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