Gary Uplegger, 73

Gary Lynn Uplegger, age 73, died on July 23, 2025.  Gary was born at Three Rivers Hospital on July 6, 1952, and raised in Mendon. He graduated from Mendon High in 1970 before meeting Julie Richards in 1978. After 7 years of courtship on January12, 1985, Gary and Julie were married. Gary worked in Mendon for Lear Sigler for 20 years where he was a tool and die maker Journeymen. He moved to Culleoka, Tennessee in 1991 where he continued to work as a Journeyman for 25 years. After retirement in July of 2015, he returned to Michigan and Three Rivers where he remained for the rest of his life.

Proceeded in death by his Mother Celesta Wilds, Son Charles ‘Chuck’ Uplegger, Father Milton Uplegger, Stepdad Jack Wilds and Survived by his wife Julie, brother Ronald Preston, nephews Matthew Preston, Daniel, Mark, Robert and wife Shannon, and Scott Gray, nieces Jennifer Falkner, Jody Richards, Shauna Staley, Terry and husband David VanDeraa, and great nieces and nephews too numerous to name.

Gary enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing with Dean White, making Custom knives, camping especially in Ludington, Walleye fishing in Minnesota, loved the casinos and was a card shark of blackjack to say the least. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and Moose Fraternity. The brotherhood of his membership was evidenced in his daily actions. The testimonies of his loyalty are held closely by those who knew him and others lucky enough to merely hear him laugh.

No funeral will be held for Gary as the family has decided to celebrate his life rather than mourn his passing. Details of the celebration remain undetermined at this time and will be updated here and through Facebook. Should you be inclined to support Gary’s celebration, the family requests that you support local animal shelters in his name or direct donations to the family to use on his behalf.

Arrangements by Eickhoff Funeral Home.