Gary William O'Neil

Gary William O’Neil, 77 of Carp Lake, passed away peacefully June 10, 2022 at his home surrounded by loved ones.

Gary was born on April 18, 1945 to Frank and Evelyn (Corey) O'Neil. He was raised in Gilchrist MI and graduated from Engadine High school with the Class of 1963.  After his graduation Gary worked briefly for GM in Flint and then enlisted in the US Army. He was stationed overseas in Germany during the Vietnam Conflict. During his service, he was trained as a Heavy Diesel Mechanic, which would become his lifetime profession.

Gary married Judy Sampsell on October 4, 1969 and settled in Saginaw Michigan where he went to work for Peninsular Diesel. Together they had three children, Kara, Shannon and Ryan. Judy passed away in 1984 after a brief illness.

On September 30, 1988, Gary married the love of his life, Kathy Wideman. With this union Gary and Kathy created a blended family and he gained two additional daughters, Amy and Cheryl. In 1991 Gary and Kathy made the move to Northern Michigan, settling in Carp Lake. Gary went to work for Shepler's Marina in Mackinaw City, where he kept the boats running until his retirement.

Gary was a proud member and Tribal Elder of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and was an avid outdoorsman and hunter. One of his favorite pastimes was hopping on his golf cart to go mushroom or berry picking.  He was also a very talented woodworker. You can find a Gary O'Neil original bench, table or decorative wooden sign in many of his friend’s and family's homes.

Gary is survived by his wife, Kathy; 5 children, Kara (Jeff) Nowacki of St Johns, Amy (Don) Schlegel of Saginaw, Shannon O’Neil of St Johns, Ryan O’Neil of St Ignace,  and Cheryl Jurek of Grand Rapids; grandchildren, Brendan and Sam Schlegel and Vincent Nowacki; brother, Keith (Harriet) O’Neil; and by a wealth of extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers, Francis and Jim; and 2 sisters, Janice and Clarissa. 

Per his wishes, Gary will be cremated and will be interred at Carp Lake Township Cemetery on Thursday June 23rd at 11:30 a.m. with Traditional Native American Burial Rites.
Celebration of Life to follow at Hoppies Landing Observation Deck at the Pellston Airport.

His family asks that if you are so moved, please consider donating to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.
https://www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org/get-involved/ways-to-give/tribute-program

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