Obituaries

Gary George Herschell, Sr., age 74, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2025, at Ball Hospice House, surrounded by his family. He was born on December 21, 1950, in Sault Ste. Marie to George and Merle (Sawyers) Herschell.

Gary grew up in Sault Ste. Marie. He began helping at his father’s autobody repair shop at just six years old where his love and passion for cars began. He graduated from Sault Area High School in 1968. Gary continued his work in auto body repair, where he specialized in paint and finishing, until he and Mary began their family. He then began his career working with the Hiawatha Correctional Facility where he dedicated 21 years of service before retiring. After retirement he continued working on vehicles, following his lifelong passion for cars.

Gary had a deep love for all things automotive—especially dune buggies, Volkswagens, auto body work, and tractor pulls. If he wasn’t working on a car, you could often find him in his garage listening to country music loud enough to let everyone know he was home.

Above all, Gary’s greatest joy and accomplishment in life was his family. He cherished his children and grandchildren, always making time for them and striving to be the best father and Papa he could be.

Gary is survived by his wife, Mary Jean (Trumbley) Herschell; children, Nicole (Stephen) Cote of Rudyard, Michigan, and Gary (Sandra) Herschell Jr. of Sault Ste. Marie; grandchildren, Makayla, Harper, Greyden, and Deklan; siblings, Verna Grover (Dennis Warnier), Patty Lamma, and Robert Herschell (Cathy Gammon).

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, George and Merle; mother and father-in-law, Earl and Evelyn Trumbley; and brother-in-law, Harvey Lamma.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1101 Minneapolis Street, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783. A Memorial Service will begin at 11:00 a.m., with a luncheon to follow in the parish hall.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Gary’s honor to Hospice of the EUP, 308 W. 12th Ave, Sault Ste. Marie, MI, 49783 or St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1101 Minneapolis, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783.

Family Life Funeral Homes – Sault Ste. Marie assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.