Gary L. VanHorn

On October 5, 2020, Gary VanHorn of Petoskey passed away unexpectedly at his home. Gary was born on March 19, 1947 in Petoskey, MI to Harold and Lois (Kreitner) VanHorn. He attended Petoskey Schools and graduated in 1965. On June 3, 1972, he married the love of his life Diane Kolinske in Petoskey. Gary and Diane made their home in Petoskey where they raised their two sons, Kevin and Kory.

Gary started his career at Harris Quality Beverage. He worked as a salesman for Neal’s Truck Parks in Grand Rapids where his son Kevin would routinely accompany him on his routes. He also was the manager of the Victories Lanes and served as Bear Creek Twp. treasurer.

Gary was an avid bowler. He began his career in the youth program at the old Victory Lanes. For 20 years he had one of the highest averages in the Petoskey Bowling Association. In 1998, he was inducted into the Petoskey Bowling Association's Hall of Fame. He also participated in the Petoskey Snowmobile Club races at the fairgrounds. He played pool in the Petoskey Cue & Cushion League. One of Gary’s passions was woodworking. He remodeled his home, restored antique furniture and built furniture. He enjoyed going to his son Kory’s soccer games. He also enjoyed amusing his family with the most recent joke he heard and putting together 1000 piece puzzles.

Gary is survived by his wife of 48 years, Diane VanHorn; his children Kevin (Abigail) VanHorn and Kory (Mallory) VanHorn; his only grandson, Brayden VanHorn; grand-doggies Jones, Rey and Vader; niece Vicki (Rip) Hankins; nephew Jamie (Traci) Lawson; mother-in-law Charlene Kolinske; and his best friends Ben and Lucille Blaho, Bill and Gee McDowell, and Al and Shirley Behan.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Lois VanHorn; sisters Jan VanHorn and Kay Young; niece Jodi Brown; Uncle Everett and Aunt Alifair Lockridge; and
father-in-law Edmund Kolinske.

Gary will be buried in a private ceremony at Greenwood Cemetary. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Stone Funeral Home. The family suggests donations in his honor be made to the Little Traverse Bay Humane Society or your local hospice.

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