Gary Joseph Mills

Gary Joseph Mills entered into eternal peace on May 20, 2019 after sustaining injuries in a farming accident. Gary was born August 3, 1954, to Ray and Lois (Bruening) Mills, He was the 3rd of nine children. He married Rosemary Weber Mills on September 30, 1989, and they had a daughter Kate, who was the love of his life and the apple of his eye. He was very proud of Kate and all of her accomplishments, including recently obtaining her Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) a couple of weeks ago. Gary possessed a wit and charm that God only gifts to special people. He excelled at trivia, was an avid reader and movie buff. Gary was a traditionalist and sentimental through to his core – real Christmas trees with real lights and icicles, childhood memories and remembrances, always salted his watermelon and loved learning about history. He had an incredible memory, and recently completed writing his life story. His traditional birthday pie was nectarine. When he was little, brother Jim couldn’t say “Gary Joe”, and instead called him “De De Bo”. This was a nickname that would stay with him for life. Gary had a love of old tractors, and was in process of restoring several at the family farm, his favorite and most special place in the world. Gary found his Grandfather’s threshing machine several years ago and it was one of his future projects to restore it. He was content to putter around the farm for hours, and never get everything done that he needed to. He could often be found sitting near the garden just watching the cars go by. Gary also served as Santa for many years, both for St. John the Baptist Christmas parties, and family events. He worked hard on attention to details, and often knew details about the kids on his lap that amazed each of them, and convinced them that Santa really was watching them, and knew if they were good or bad. They always received a bag of candy for their efforts. Gary was the wit, humor and charm of our family – we counted on him for his witty remarks that would keep all of us going in hard times, and his jokes to make us laugh in good times. We have lost a true treasure of a man – and he will be missed so much by his family and friends. Gary was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Rosemary, and daughter Kate (and future son-in-law Josh Duram), eight brothers and sisters – Robert (Janell), Jim (Marilyn), Patricia Wangerin (James), Bev Mills, Janet Bortfeldt (Mike), Marilyn Mills, Joanne Kessler (Rex), and Carol Mills (Paul Kissel). He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Mary Ellen Weber, sisters-in-law Theresa Steffes (Mark), Karen McKinnon (Brian), Elaine Weber and brother-in-law Tony Weber. He was preceded in death by his sister-in-law Anna Sobie (Roman). He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Gary was employed as a Certified Public Accountant. Over the last few years, he had started being “partially retired” and enjoying more time at the family farm. His knowledge and expertise in all things taxes will be greatly missed by the family. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Jude’s Catholic Church, 1120 4 Mile Road, N.E. Grand Rapids, MI 49525, on Friday, May 24 at 11:00 with Rev. Donald Weber presiding. Visitation with the family will be at Arsulowicz Brothers Mortuary, 3525 Remembrance Rd NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534 on Thursday from 2 pm until 4 pm, and from 6 pm until 8 pm. Visitation will also happen an hour before the Mass at church. A Vigil service will be held at 7:30 pm at the funeral home. Interment will be at St. John the Baptist – Claybanks. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to the Trinity Community Food Pantry, 5631 W. Stony Lake Road, New Era, MI 49446.

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Gary Joseph Mills

August 3, 1954 - May 20, 2019