Gary L. Wackerle, age 65 of West Branch, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at his home. Gary retired from Consumers Energy in 2005 after 38 years of service. He was a former member of the Ogemaw Valley Lions Club, a board member for both the Ogemaw County Fair and the Boy Scouts of America. He was an avid community volunteer.

Gary is survived by his wife Janet L. Wackerle of West Branch, his sons, John Wackerle and Steven Wackerle both of West Branch and a granddaughter Hannah Marie Wackerle. Also surviving is his sister, Judy (Richard) Batko of Omer, his brothers Rodney “Bum” Wackerle of Linwood and Craig “Mike” (Anne) Wackerle of Bay City, brothers and sisters-in-law Richard (Lois) Niemann, Thomas Niemann, Edward Simstad and Joanne (Richard) Steinhoff all of Bay City, Donald Sautter of Sanford and Lynn (Mike) Rivard of Linwood, his stepbrother Jeff (John Caron) Prell of Charlevoix and his stepsisters, Jennifer Voisine and Janine (Louie) Moll of Bay City and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray Wackerle and June Wackerle Prell, his father and mother-in-law Claude and Thelma Niemann, sisters-in-law Shari Niemann, Kay Simstad and Mary Sautter and his step-father Leonard Prell.

Visitation at the Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch will begin on Sunday, June 24, 2012 from 1-9 p.m. On Monday, Gary will lie in state at the Ogemaw Hills Free Methodist Church in West Branch beginning at 12:30 p.m. until the time of the service at 1:30 p.m. Pastor Robert Mohr, Pastor Timothy Poldrugo and Deacon Glen Painter will officiate with burial following at Campbell Corner Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Caring Pregnancy Center, West Branch.