Gary Lee Wahl, age 64, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 9, 2019 with his family at his side. He was born on July 10, 1954, in Aurora, CO, the son of Marvin and Norma (Long) Wahl. Gary was honorably discharged from the Army National Guard in 1985. He married Diane Hopkins in Howard City on March 17, 1973 and they made their home and raised their family in Stanwood.

Gary was a journeyman power lineman for almost 40 years. He was a member of IBEW Local 876. He was also well known as "The Gunsmith", owning and operating his own gun repair business for over 35 years. He loved to scuba dive and passed that legacy to his children by helping each of them become certified divers. Gary enjoyed his yearly cruises to the Caribbean with Diane. Once on board the big ship, hed indulge in his annual pia colada and sneak as many ice cream cones as he could. He enjoyed fishing for bluegills in his pond, but enjoyed even more just sitting on the dock feeding the fish while having a good cigar.

Gary worked hard, fought for what he believed in and loved deeply. He was a wonderful teacher not only to his family but to many apprentice linemen over the years.

Gary is survived by: his loving wife, Diane of Stanwood; three children, Adam (Deborah) Wahl of Big Rapids, Jennifer (Finley "Wayne") Hughes of Stanwood, Rebecca "Becky" (Andrew) Rees of Stanwood; nine grandchildren, Xander, Jordan, Isabelle, Jeremiah and Aaron Wahl; Cody and Cherokee Hughes and Daniel and Elizabeth Rees; three siblings, William (Kathy) Wahl of Muskegon, Sharon (Richard) Harvey of Lake Odessa and Larry; four brothers and sisters-in-law, Roger (Linda) Hopkins of Cadillac, Norm (Kathy) Hopkins of Big Rapids, Harold Hopkins Jr. of Dorado, PR and Phyllis (Paul) Lipar of Remus and many nieces, nephews and close friends.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Norma; an infant sister, Karen and two infant grandchildren, Robert and Emily Hughes.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, June 14, 2019 at The Woods Free Methodist Church in Stanwood with Reverend Patricia Tefft officiating. Interment will follow at Stanwood Cemetery.

The family will greet friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids and on Friday, 12:00 p.m. (Noon) until the time of services at The Woods.

Memorial contributions in Garys name can be made to St. Jude Childrens Hospital.

Share a memory or sign the guestbook by clicking the guestbook tab on Garys page at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com Funeral Service Friday, June 14, 2019 1:00 PM The Woods Free Methodist Church 7486 Stanwood Drive Stanwood,Michigan 49346 Visitation Thursday, June 13, 2019 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home 13985 Northland Drive Big Rapids,Michigan 49307 Visitation Friday, June 14, 2019 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM The Woods Free Methodist Church 7486 Stanwood Drive Stanwood,Michigan 49346