Gary Raymond Gilstorf, 83, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2026, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Born on August 10, 1942, Gary was the beloved son of the late Raymond and Grace Gilstorf. Gary attended St. Joseph Elementary School in Trenton, Michigan, before graduating from Trenton High School. He later attended Ferris State University, where he was a member of the Theta Kappa Epsilon (TKE) fraternity. He also honorably served his country in the United States Army Reserves for seven years. Gary was also a proud member of the American Legion.

On September 4, 1965, Gary married the love of his life, Kathleen “Kathy” (Pigott) Gilstorf, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Wyandotte, Michigan. They recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary and were looking forward to celebrating 61 wonderful years of marriage this September. Their enduring love and devotion were an inspiration to all who knew them.

Gary dedicated more than 40 years of his professional life to Dana Corporation, where he built a distinguished career in Human Resources/ Labor Relations before retiring in 2005.

After retirement, Gary and Kathy made their home in The Villages, Florida, where they embraced the active retirement lifestyle. They cherished the many friendships they made, spent countless days on the golf course, and always looked forward to welcoming family and friends who came to visit. Their home was a place filled with laughter, love, and treasured memories.

Family was the center of Gary’s life. He loved coaching Trenton hockey, youth baseball, football, and basketball teams, positively impacting countless young athletes through his patience, encouragement, and leadership. Gary was an avid Detroit sports fan especially his beloved Red Wings, Tigers, and Lions. He also had a sweet tooth and was rarely without his favorite treats—Brach’s jellybeans.

Gary is survived by his devoted wife, Kathleen “Kathy” (Pigott) Gilstorf; his children, Colleen (Scott Costantini) Owens, Mark (Amy) Gilstorf, and Michael (Jennie James) Gilstorf; his cherished grandchildren, Chad Owens, Meghan (Zachary) Pro, Jake Gilstorf, Allison Gilstorf, Grace Gilstorf, and Gabriel Gilstorf; and his beloved great-grandchildren, Samuel, Hadley, and Harper Pro. Also, Gary is survived by his brother and sister in law, Michael and Karen Pigott and sister in law Patricia Pigott, many nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Grace Gilstorf.

Gary will be remembered for his kindness, sense of humor, dedication to family, and the countless lives he touched as a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, coach, and friend. His legacy of love, integrity, and service will live on in all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Trenton Special Needs Activities Program (SNAP) through the Trenton Parks and Recreation Department, a program especially meaningful to Gary because his grandson (Jake) who has autism participates in the program. Donations may also be made to The Parkinson’s Foundation, Florida Chapter serving The Villages community in Gary’s memory.

A Celebration of Life Mass will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Trenton, Michigan, on Saturday, August 1, at 10:00 a.m.

A private family burial will follow later that day at Michigan Memorial Park Cemetery.

Forever loved, deeply missed, and never forgotten.