Garry L. Handrich

Garry LeRoy Handrich, age 80, passed away on August 17, 2026 at his home with his family. Garry was born in Grayling, Michigan on March 25, 1946, the oldest child of Richard and Ruby Handrich. He attended Fairview Area Schools and entered the United States Army in 1967 and was awarded the Purple Heart after sustaining serious injury in Vietnam. His service to our country did not end with his Honorable Discharge from the Army, but continued with nearly 30 years of service in the Michigan National Guard.

He married Janice "Pudge" Yoder on November 6, 1971 and together they had 4 children. Having both grown up in the Fairview area, they chose to raise their family in the community they’ve always called home.

Garry was a jack of all trades, working all types of jobs over the course of his life, including working at local sawmills, doing residential wiring, over the road trucking, driving school bus and working maintenance at the nursing home.

He was a charter member of Comins Eagles #3544 and a member of the Comins Community Church. In his younger years, he enjoyed more active sports; softball, golf, and bowling. After retirement, many hours were spent playing dominos and cards with family and friends, and he was content to care for the yard, putz in his garage, and watch the birds at his feeders.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, children Wade (Tiffany) Handrich, Cambria (Daniel) Hughes and Garrett Handrich. Grandchildren, Anika (Brenden) Sliva, Keagan (Brightyn) Handrich, Lilia (Bryant) Maki, Kinsey Hughes, Kyler Handrich and Danni Hughes; Great-grandchildren, Olivia and Rueben Sliva. Sisters, Patricia (Frank) Arthur and Diane (Gerald) Handrich and brother Dallas (Jane) Handrich, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Ruby, brother, Dennis, and infant daughter, Cinda.

Visitation will be held Thursday, August 20, 2026 at Lashley Funeral Home in Mio, MI from 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Visitation will also be held Friday, August 21, 2026 at Comins Community Church in Comins, MI from 10:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM with Pastor Brent Salsbury officiating. Military honors and interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Fairview, MI.

Arrangements entrusted to Lashley Funeral Home, Mio, MI.