Gary Kent Swanson Sr.

Gary Kent Swanson Sr., 84, of Ludington went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, surrounded by his wife Arlene and family. Gary was a kind and gentle man who loved the Lord and his family. He was married to Arlene Kay Stohr on August 14, 1965, and they went on to have two children, Gary Kent Jr. and Heidi Elizabeth. Gary was very devoted to his wife, and they celebrated their 60-year anniversary 12 days before he went to Heaven. Happy Anniversary Honey, to the love of my life. I shall meet you in Heaven when the Lord calls me home.


Gary was born on August 16, 1941, in Ludington, to the late Arthur Edwin and Ethel Hildegarde (Swanson) Swanson.


Gary graduated from Ludington High School in 1959 and then went on to dedicate many years of his career to Great Lakes Castings as a skilled molder. His commitment to craftsmanship was paralleled by his service in the Army National Guard, where he embraced the discipline and camaraderie that military life offered. Gary was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri for six months and served during the Detroit riots.


A man of faith, Gary was a long-standing member of Trinity Evangelical Free Church in Ludington and Grace Community Church of Englewood, Florida. His spiritual life was a cornerstone of his existence, guiding his actions and interactions throughout his life. He served as a member of the Trinity Evangelical Deacon Board and served as Deacon Chairman for a span of time. He also served on the Trustee Board and was instrumental in assisting with building the new Trinity Church. Gary was known to have a beautiful voice, as he sang in the church choir, and for a period with the Gospelheirs Quartet. Gary and his wife were also youth group sponsors for several years with James and Paula Ruiz. They really enjoyed every moment teaching God's word to the youngsters and teenagers.


Known for his quiet, reserved, and gentle demeanor, Gary was also an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed deer hunting and fishing. He truly enjoyed deer hunting with a special friend where they could be found in the woods eating chili and brownies. However, fishing did not take a back seat. For over 20 years you could catch Gary in Nagagami, Canada with family or friends at fly-in fishing trips. His very first trip was truly special as it was with his wife Arlene, adult children, and organized by his son-in-law James. Beyond the outdoors, Gary could be found in a bowling alley, throwing strikes with his teammates.


His love for travel took him on numerous cruise ships to the Caribbean islands and on flights to places like Paris, France, Alaska, and Hawaii. He cherished his winters spent at his home in Holiday Park, North Port Florida, embracing the warmth and beauty of the Sunshine State and the many dear friends he made there. Disney World was a special enjoyment for Gary and Arlene as they would often spend time there during spring break with their visiting children and grandchildren. When back in Michigan, Gary spent many fun filled summer days at Michigan Adventures with his grand kids. He tolerated riding scary rollercoasters because he knew his wife and grand kids loved them so.


Gardening was also a passion of Gary's. He had a big garden at his home that he would open to several friends weekly. They would come out to pull weeds and pick vegetables to divide up and take home. In retirement, Gary continued to serve his community by volunteering at Memorial Medical Center transporting patients until he could no longer do it.


Gary was a devoted family man, survived by wife, Arlene Kay (Stohr) Swanson; his children, Gary Kent (Stacey Ann) Swanson Jr. and Heidi Elizabeth (James Donald) Wiersma. His legacy continues through his grandchildren, Shelby, Wyatt and Owen Swanson, and Evan, Adrian, and Yvenson Wiersma, along with multiple nieces and nephews.


He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Ethel Swanson; his sister, Jean Von Sprecken; and baby brother, Wayne Swanson.


The Swanson family would like to thank Oakview Medical Care Facility for their tender and excellent care with Gary while under their care.


A memorial service with military honors will be held on Friday, September 26, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Grace Funeral Home, with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM.


In lieu of flowers, contributions in Gary's memory can be made to Trinity Evangelical Free Church in Ludington, and Grace Community Church of 278 S. Mango St, Englewood, FL 34223. These donations will honor his memory and support the communities he held dear.


Arrangements were entrusted to Grace Funeral Home and Cremation Service (formerly Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington), www.GraceCremations.com.