Obituary of Gary Richard McCardel

Gary Richard McCardel, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, age 82, went to be with the Lord on Monday, April 22, 2024. Gary was born on July 1, 1941 in Lansing, Michigan to Ward “Barney” & Dorothy McCardel. He graduated from St. Mary’s High school class of 59’ and was an alumnus of Michigan State University. After college, he served in the US Army National Guard before he began working at University Olds with his brother, Keith where they were referred to as the “Olds Twins”. His sales career did not end there as he continued on to IBM where he received numerous awards for top performance in sales. After encouragement from his older brother David, he pursued his true passion and started his own business helping people design and build their dream homes. In retirement, Gary played a pivotal role in supporting the growth of McCardel Restoration by establishing relationships which still exist to this day.

Gary resided in Michigan most of his life. He and his wife Linda lived briefly at Higgins Lake and most of their married life was spent in Laingsburg, MI at Scenic Lake where they raised their children. He was an excellent water skier and enjoyed seeing his children learn the sport. He loved baseball and his claim to fame was hitting a home run in every municipal park in the city of Lansing. Every year he looked forward to a McCardel family reunion at lake Charlevoix telling stories, celebrating birthdays and each other. Having been “snowbirds” for 13 years, Gary & Linda loved the warm Florida climate and the year-round golf and transitioned full time to Venice, Florida in May 2023.

Gary was an avid golfer and a long-time member of Walnut Hills Country Club in East Lansing, Michigan and a current member at Mission Valley Golf and Country Club in Nokomis, Florida. He was a passionate MSU football fan attending games and tailgates for over 40 years. He was always willing to lend a helping hand at a moment’s notice without expecting anything in return. The most memorable thing about Gary was his larger-than-life laugh, million dollar smile, and abundant stories which will be missed dearly. He will always hold a special place in our hearts.

Gary is survived by his loving wife of 52 years Linda McCardel, his sons, Mark, Michael (Janna), and Kelli (Stacey) McCardel, daughter Heather Coyer (Damond), grandchildren Raygan, Miranda, Landon, and Rye, brothers Keith (LeeAnn) and Ward (Ann) McCardel; several nieces and nephews, and grand-dogs Ari and Heathen.

Gary was preceded in death by his mother, father, and brother David (Mary) McCardel.

A Memorial Mass will be held June 13, 2024, 2 pm at St. Gerard, 4437 W Willow Hwy, Lansing, MI. A Celebration of Life will follow from 4-7 pm at Eagle Eye Golf & Banquet Center, 15500 Chandler Rd., Bath, MI. We welcome family, friends and businesses to attend and bring a memory of Gary to share in his honor.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to the Laingsburg Area Food Bank, 210 Crum St, Laingsburg, MI 48823 (517) 651-5531 https://www.laingsburg.us/laingsburg-area-food-bank/ laingsburgumc@gmail.com.

To share a memory or to send a condolence visit www.farleyfuneralhome.com.