Gary Francis Geranen, OCDS, 63, of Traverse City was born into Eternal Life on August 21, 2025.
Gary was born on September 17, 1961 in Marquette to the late Franklin Delano and Ann (Gibbons) Geranen. He was one of eight children and grew up in Livonia.
During Gary's lifetime, he spent seven years in the U.S. Army Reserves, as both active duty and reserves. He received training in Electrical/Diesel repair and certification in DOD Journalism.
Full of Good Humor, he started his ice cream business forty-one years ago. He was the original "Ice Cream Man" of Traverse City spending thirty-three years of his forty-one years as an Ice Cream truck owner-operator in Northern Michigan. Gary enjoyed the simplicity of bringing smiles and joy to people. He would fondly recall stories of watching families grow up and share the love of novelty ice cream with the next generation.
On Gary's more serious side, with his business acuity and accounting degree, he owned Jackson Hewitt tax offices where he further enjoyed helping people make the best of their relationship with 'Uncle Sam'. He made the process to have the least amount of stress as possible for his clients.
He was a lifelong faith-filled Catholic who not only was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, but he also had a special devotion to Carmelite spirituality. With a yearning to be closer to God, he found a second family through the Carmelite Monastery where he achieved his greatest joy as a member of the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelites (OCDS). As a man of strong faith, he was a supporter of Missions and became friends with many priests and religious whom he considered part of his extended family in Christ.
In his lifetime, Gary was never an idle man. He made his best efforts to attend Mass early every morning before starting his day then he worked hard until it was time for bed. In his free time he enjoyed golf, swimming, and spending time with his family and life-long friends. Gary will be fondly remembered for his charity (both in word and in deed) toward others and his entrepreneurial spirit.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents Franklin Geranen and Ann Geranen, both formerly of Cadillac.
Gary is survived by an entourage of siblings Maria (Tony) Bergren, Regina (Steve) Haynes, Joseph (Mary) Geranen, Marquerite Dorrell, Roseann (Michael) Watkins, Michael (Valerie) Geranen, and Christine Geranen; his Aunt Connie Sarya; numerous nieces and nephews; many cousins; The 'Burger Chef Gang'; and, too numerous to name friends and colleagues who will all dearly miss him.
Visitation for friends and family will be held at Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home on Monday, September 8, 2025 from 4 – 7 pm. The Rosary will be prayed at 7 pm.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Patrick Catholic Church on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at 11 am, with visitation beginning at 10 am. A luncheon will follow the mass at the church hall. Internment services will take place at Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Cadillac at 2:30 pm.
Memorial contributions in his honor may be directed to the "The Discalced Carmelite Nuns, Monastery of the Infant of Prague, Inc." or to the "Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools" for their athletics.
Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your memories and prayers.