Gerry Robert Garcia

Gerry Robert Garcia 
Loving husband, father, papa, brother, cousin, and friend passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at Wellspring Assisted Living in Saginaw. He was 87 years old. Gerry Robert Garcia was born on April 2, 1937, in Saginaw, Michigan, to the late Joe and Marion (Close) Garcia. He was a proud 1955 graduate of Arthur Hill High School. Following graduation, he attended Ferris State University and then attended Michigan State University where he received his Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Education. He married the love of his life, Lynn Siler on October 19, 1963, in Saginaw; she survives him. Gerry was a lifelong educator, finishing his career as principal at Kempton Elementary School. The role of his lifetime, one he treasured and cherished above all others, was to be a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. A family man at heart, Gerry loved to be surrounded by his family and friends, especially spending time at their cottage in Kalkaska and spending winters on Ft. Myers Beach, Florida. He had a special group of lifetime friends he affectionately called the "Fog & Smoggers" with whom they shared many adventures. He was an avid sports fan always cheering for all MSU sports and Tigers baseball. Gerry also loved the outdoors. Whether it was hunting on his property in the UP, fishing, collecting puddingstones on Drummond Island, or filling his yard with beautiful flowers, he loved the peace and tranquility nature brought to his life. He also enjoyed playing cards, teaching his children and grandchildren the finer arts of strategy. Gerry was also an avid collector of antiques and treasures. He was selfless and generous with his time, helping others in need. As a young man he civically served his community as a member of the Jaycees and the Saginaw Moose Lodge #82. He was a past member of First Congregational Church and most recently attended Grace Valley Church in Saginaw. His little pieces of heaven were his six beloved grandchildren who affectionately called him "Papa".
Surviving are his loving wife of 60 years, Lynn Siler Garcia; three children and their spouses: Lisa (Jake) Garcia-Herr; Pete (Heidi) Garcia; William (Sandra) Garcia; six grandchildren: Austin and Caden Herr, Savannah and Gavan Garcia, and Noah and Macy Garcia; brother, Dudley (Linda) Garcia; sister-in-law, Roberta Garcia; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Dell (Lorraine) Siler. Also surviving are many cousins, nieces, nephews, family, and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Marion Garcia; brother, Denny Garcia; and mother-in-law and father-in-law, Ethelyn (Delbert) Siler.
Honoring Gerry's wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of his life will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Grace Valley Church, 4570 Mackinaw Road, Saginaw, MI, 48603. Pastor Kurt Cullison will officiate. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the church on Saturday from 2:00 p.m. until the time of the service at 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Saginaw Township Community Schools Foundation. Arrangements have been entrusted to the W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 4480 Mackinaw Road, Saginaw, MI, 48603. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the church or through www.casefuneralhome.com.