Gary Grover Lobdell, age 86, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Big Rapids, Michigan. Gary was born on January 19, 1940, at Hackley Hospital in Muskegon, Michigan, to Lorraine (Shaffer) Soful and Grover Lobdell. Gary graduated from Muskegon Heights High School in 1958 and enlisted in the United States Navy in July of that same year. In the Navy, Gary was a member of the helicopter air rescue team, traveling all over the world on aircraft carriers and receiving many awards and recognition for his exemplary service. He retired as a Senior Chief Petty Officer in 1981 after serving over 23 years.

On April 18, 1963, Gary met Karen Hendrie, who he later married in Charlotte, North Carolina, on December 20, 1963. Gary and Karen moved many times while he was in the Navy, living up and down the eastern coast of the US. They welcomed two daughters, Kristi and Glynda, before returning to Michigan after Gary retired from the Navy.

Gary attended Ferris State College in 1983, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business. He worked at Natron, Inc., in Reed City for several years before returning to Ferris State University in 1994 where he earned an Associate’s degree in Applied Science in Manufacturing Tooling Technology. He then worked at Hydro Aluminum in Cedar Springs, where he enjoyed riding his bike to work from Big Rapids, until he retired.

Gary enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and volunteering at Fellowship Christian Reformed Church in Big Rapids where he was also a deacon. He enjoyed being outside and was fascinated by birds and wildlife. Gary built a workshop for himself, where he built wooden boats and tinkered on cars, motors, and anything else he could get his hands on. He was a problem solver, and he loved figuring out how to fix just about anything. Bicycling was a hobby he enjoyed for many years, riding all over the state and participating in several races and Blessings of the Bicycles. Gary could often be found riding his lawn mower on the island behind their home on the Muskegon River. He was a devoted Detroit Tigers fan; he and

Karen watched nearly every game together for the last 30 years. He loved hunting with his Uncle Jim who was more like his brother, square dancing, Nascar, computers, and spending time with his beloved wife, Karen. Gary was a lifetime member of the Fremont Moose and Croton American Legion.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, beloved grandparents Hazel and Emil Shaffer, daughter Pamela Sharon Parker, sister Linda Lancaster, and beloved uncle Jim Shaffer. He is survived by his loving wife of over 62 years, Karen (Hendrie) Lobdell; his daughters Kristi (Paul) Reardon and Glynda (Zoltan) Szekely; his grandchildren, Renee (Jaimey) Roth, Zoli Szekely, and Beatrisz Szekely; great-grandchildren Jacob, Jayden, Jayce, and Jenna Roth; sister Barbara (Ed) Bowen; brother Benjamin Clock; dear friend Patrick (Carol) Whiteside; aunt Sally (Dave) Sobolik; and many other loving family members and friends.

Please join us in a memorial service to celebrate Gary’s life at 11am on Friday, April 24, 2026, at Fellowship Christian Reformed Church, 407 Perry Street, Big Rapids. Burial service with military honors will take place at 11am on Saturday, April 25, at Maple Grove Cemetery, 804 South Division, Fremont, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your choice of Christian or Veteran charity in Gary’s name.