Robert L. "Buzzy" Garlanger

Robert L. "Buzzy" Garlanger, 67, of Niles, Michigan, left his earthly body after a long, hard fought battle with lung cancer on Friday, December 19th, 2025.

Buzzy was born on April 12th, 1958, in South Bend, Indiana, to the late Robert H. and Joan (Hollin) Garlanger. Buzzy graduated from LaSalle High School in 1976. Buzzy was preceded in death by his son Steven Garlanger.

For those that had the privilege to know Buzzy, they knew he was one of a kind, he would give you the shirt off his back if you asked, he spent his life as a true friend and a hard working man. He spent the past twenty-five years as the lead maintenance tech for the Tire Rack. Buzzy was a lifelong member of the Niles Elks Lodge #1322 and served in many different capacities, including the Exalted Ruler. He held many passions in his life from DJing, Nascar, and camping, but none more than being a gear head, anything with a motor he loved, and could fix. The man swore he could put a Hemi on a roller skate. He was a proud father and caring husband. Buzzy swore that he was going to live to be 150 years old to upset as many people as possible and finally have the ability to pay off a mortgage. The man, the myth, the Buzzman will be missed by so many.

Buzzy is survived by his wife of twenty plus years Denise (Casto) Garlanger; sons Kyle (Courtney) Garlanger, Koty (Justine) Casto; Justin Frohna; sister's Pam (Roger) Davis, Charlotte (Rick) Koelndorfer; his seven grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and countless friends.

A celebration of life is being held on Saturday, January 10th, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Niles Elks Lodge #1322, located at 1322 Canal St. Niles, MI 49401.