Gary J. Shank Sr.

Gary passed away on Tuesday, November 8, 2022 at McLaren Bay Region at the age of 80. He was born on October 23, 1942 in Bay City, Michigan to the late Audrey (Shank) Karnis. Gary was a very kindhearted man and would do anything to help others out. He was an avid racecar enthusiast and mechanic. If someone needed something fixed, they could go to him for help, as his garage was the community hub. He enjoyed having coffee with his close friends. He was always whistling and would never run out of stories to tell. He loved his animals, especially his black Labrador, Suzie. He worked for the City of Bay City for over 30 years.
Gary is survived by his children, Kimberly (Phillip) Fairchild, Diane Shank, Carol (Aaron) Eaton and Gary (Anggie) Shank Jr.; grandchildren, Kyle Samalik, Morgan Bruinsma, Garrett Lichty, Ross Fairchild, Shelby Archer, Halie Saenz, Brittany Menningen, Courtney Libbrecht, Katelyn Reitzel, Addisyn Reitzel, Chase Shank and Carson Shank; great grandchildren, Robbie, Ollie, Parker, Klara, Henry, Grant, Amaya and Isaac; sister, Diane (Paul) Ruthig; several nieces and nephews and many close friends and extended family members. In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his wife, the late Jeannette Malusi. They spent over 55 years together before her passing in 2017. He is also preceded in death by his son-in-law, Bob Archer.
Memorial service will take place on Saturday, November 19, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. at the Gephart Funeral Home. The family will be present to receive visitors at the funeral home from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the service. Memorial donations may be made to the Bay County Humane Society.