Obituary for GARY JOHN SJOLUND Gary John Sjolund, 75, of Snow Street, Negaunee, Michigan, entered into eternal life on December 30, 2018. He was received by his Lord and Savior at his residence surrounded by his loving family and under the care of UP Home Health and Hospice. Gary was born July 24, 1943 in Detroit, Michigan to Norman and Helen (Jaaske) Sjolund.
He graduated from South Lake High School in St. Claire Shores, Class of 1961. Following graduation, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting from Michigan State University in 1965 and served on the General Motors Financial Staff for 37 years before retiring in 2002. He also taught cost accounting at Lansing Community College.
After retirement, Gary provided transportation services for 12 years for special needs students. Gary had deep roots in the Upper Peninsula as his paternal and maternal grandparents immigrated from Finland and settled in Negaunee and Kipling. He spent many summer weeks visiting family, friends and enjoyed numerous camping trips in God’s country.
Gary enjoyed many outdoor activities including golf, fishing, hunting, sailing, and skiing. He had served on numerous community service organizations including; the Lansing Jaycees, Greater Lansing United Way, Greater Lansing Food Bank, American Red Cross, American Cancer Society, Junior Achievement, the Negaunee Planning Commission, Upper Peninsula Sled Dog Association, various youth recreation sports, and was a mentor to many homeless youth. Gary also served on the church councils of Faith Lutheran Church, Okemos, MI.
, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Lansing, MI. , and Immanuel Lutheran Church, Negaunee, MI. Gary is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Linda (Houser) Sjolund; his sons Andrew (Dorothy) Sjolund and Michael (Angela) Sjolund; and grandchildren Nicholas Sjolund, Madison Sjolund, Trevor Slinkard, and Elizabeth Vanroon.
Gary is also survived by a very close network of cousins, nieces, nephews and beloved friends. His faithful corgi dog companions Fisher and Annie were ever present at his side. Gary was preceded in death by his daughter Melissa Ann Sjolund; his parents Norman and Helen Sjolund; his brother Rodger Sjolund; and sister Janice Sjolund Telles.
Memorial services will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, January 5th at Immanuel Lutheran Church with Rev. Steven Solberg officiating. The family will greet relatives and friends for one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday, and also at a luncheon in the fellowship hall following services.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed in Gary’s memory to Immanuel Lutheran Church, 520 US Highway 41, Negaunee, MI 49866. Mr. Sjolund’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com, where memories and condolences may be shared. To send flowers to the family of GARY JOHN SJOLUND, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.
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