Garald "Gary" Szokola

Garald “Gary” Lee Szokola, 77, of Marysville, died Friday, January 9, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Gary was a devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend. He was a man whose kindness and humor touched everyone he met. He loved babies, animals, talking about food, swapping recipes with his family and was the most impressive whistler anyone had met. His whistling, silly songs, ability to calm any baby, badminton serve, and laughter will be greatly missed.

He was born November 1,1948 in Detroit, MI to the late Irving and Janet Szokola and married Mary Quinn on June 25,1977 in Detroit, MI.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Mary; 4 children, Theresa (Brad) Szokola, Steve (Andrea) Szokola, Mike (Kayla) Szokola and Dave (Ashley) Szokola; 12 grandchildren; 2 sisters, Diane (Tom) Villeneuve and Marie (John) Filo; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Marty and Ron Szokola.

Gary met Mary in Detroit and began a lifelong partnership. He designed and built a house in rural East Tawas where they raised their four children and created a life filled with amazing 4th of July parties, horseshoe tournaments, swimming in the pond, baseball games in the yard, wrestling tournaments, love and laughter.

Gary proudly served in the United States Army with active duty in Panama. He spent his career in the tool and die industry, working many positions, including Plant Manager. He even learned American Sign Language to communicate with one of his employees demonstrating a lifetime of curiosity and empathy.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the care team at the Ann Arbor VA and the Ann Arbor Fisher House.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2026 in Marysville Funeral Home, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m.; Gary’s son, Steve, will officiate. Military honors will be conducted under the auspices of the St. Clair County Allied Veterans Honor Guard.

Inurnment will be Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly. Memorial contributions may be made to Fisher House Ann Arbor in Gary Szokola’s name: www.fisherhousemichigan.org.

Arrangements are by Marysville Funeral Home. To send condolences, visit marysvillefuneralhome.com