Garry Lee Curtiss, 84, passed away on November 5, 2024, in Traverse City, MI. He was born to Rev. Ohmer John Curtiss and Mary Opal (Curry) Curtiss on March 15, 1940, in Traverse City.

He met the love of his life, Marlene McCuen, in high school. They enjoyed singing in musicals and ice skating on Dyer Lake during the winter months. He also played bass drum in the high school marching band. He married his sweetheart December 31, 1959. He served in the United States Army Reserves, living in Kentucky a short time before moving back to Traverse City, proudly building a home for his family.

Garry worked at the Traverse City State Hospital as a print shop technician and took early retirement when the State Hospital closed in 1989. He then went to work in maintenance at the Park Place Hotel before finally retiring for good. His hobbies included flying glider airplanes, making bullets and shooting guns, as well as being self-taught on the computer. He was a man of all trades. He also loved cruising around Lake Leelanau on his pontoon with Marlene and friends.

He is survived by his son, Shawn (Lisa) Curtiss; daughter, Cammie (Trent) Freeman; sister, Karen (Donald) Rynearson; half-sister, Chris (Gary) Martin; half-brother, Kevin (Alisha) Curtiss; sister-in-law, Annabelle (Gene) McCuen; grandchildren, Collin and Kylie Curtiss, Jessica (Jacob) Gilland, and Nathan Freeman, many cousins, nieces, nephews and, of course, wonderful friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marlene Curtiss; his mother, Opal Becker; his father, Ohmer Curtiss; his mother-in-law, Marguerite Jordan; his brother, Jean Curtiss; his sister-in-law Barbara Curtiss, and his brother-in-law, Gene McCuen.

Per Garry's wishes, there will be no service. Memorials may be directed to Hospice of Michigan or St. Jude Children's Hospital. The family wants to thank Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and invites you to share your memories and condolences with the family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .