GARY VanNATTER
Gary VanNatter was drafted into Heaven’s army of angels early morning on Feb. 2, 2021 from his home in Pensacola, Florida. Gary was the eighth child of 12 born to the late Carl and Mabel (Haken) VanNatter on April 8, 1945. He graduated from Alpena High School in 1963, did a tour in Vietnam and was honorably discharged in 1967. He married Lynn Kaiser on July 10, 1971 in Herron, Michigan. Gary received a degree from Alpena Community College and the couple moved to Pensacola, Florida in 1982.
Gary is survived by his wife, Lynn, his daughter, Lisa, special nephew, Justin Kaiser, sisters Marlene (Richard) Cadarette, Doris Soltysiak, Sandy Copping, Linda Monroe, Sharon (Stan) Wahoski, and Patti (Dave) St. John and well over 100 nieces and nephews. Gary was preceded in death by brothers Mervin, Ken and Billy and sisters Shirley Suszek and Betty Orm.
Gary was a gifted metal fabricator, designing and building everything from stainless steel grills and fish cookers to copper beer vats. He appreciated and promoted strong family ties and served as a role model for the values he believed in.
A memorial and tribute to Gary’s life will be held in Alpena at a later date.