Mr. Gary A. Suntken, age 76, of Sunfield passed away August 22, 2014 at his home.

Gary was born in Lake Odessa, MI on September 13, 1937, the Son of the late William and Elisabeth (Kropp) Suntken. He was raised in the Sunfield area and attended local schools before graduating from Sunfield High School in 1956.

He was the Husband of the late Mrs. Karen Anne Suntken. The couple was married on November 20, 1961 in Muir, MI. Shortly after being married they moved to their home in Sunfield Township where they raised their family together and have lived for over 52 years.

Gary spent a great deal time working in his vegetable garden and 3 ½ acre property full of fruit and nut trees and bushes, a fishing pond, and many flower gardens. He provided hundreds of bushels of fresh goods for the family and friends over his lifetime. Gary delighted in the smiles and hugs he received when delivering a quart of freshly picked berries to a neighbor.

Gary had a passion to explore and learn about all things in nature. He enjoyed hunting and fishing year around. Gary was most proud of his extensive collection of Native American artifacts which he painstakingly collected over thousands of miles of walking through many freshly plowed fields over the decades. He enjoyed sharing his finds with fellow collectors in artifact shows and his extensive knowledge.

Gary served from 1956-1960 in the U.S. Navy where he became a skilled electrician. He later became employed by General Motors and worked for 43 years as an electrician before retiring.

Gary is survived by his two daughters, Lisa (Steve) Sterkenburg, Melissa Suntken, his son, Gabriel (Rose) Suntken, brother, Dave (Linda) Suntken, his grandchildren Jason & Brandon Sterkenburg, McCarthie Suntken, and Danica & Gavin Suntken.

He was preceded in death by his brothers Ivan, Raymond, and Donald.

Funeral Services will be held at Grace Community Church, Nashville, MI, at 11:00 AM on Monday August 25, 2014 with Pastor Don Roscoe officiating.

The family will receive visitors for 6-8 PM on Sunday August 24th at Grace Community Church.

A social time with refreshments will follow immediately after the funeral service at Grace Community Church. This will be a time where family and friends can share their memories together.

A private family interment will take place at the Sunfield Cemetery