David F. Gares

David F. Gares passed away peacefully from this world, at McLaren Central Michigan, on Friday, January 17, 2025, surrounded by his wife and children. The youngest of three children, David was born to Michael and Catherine (Weinhart) Gares on July 23rd, 1947 in Mt. Clemens, Michigan. He was raised in Edmore and graduated in 1966 from Edmore HS, where he had fond memories of being in the World's Fair as a percussionist with the Edmore HS Marching Band. Dave leaves behind his much loved wife of nearly 56 years, Margie (Midge Hulliberger) Gares and their 3 children, of whom he was extremely proud; Jennifer (David) Cobb, Eric (Geralyn) Gares, Heidi (Peter) Mortensen. He will be missed by his 7 grandchildren; Tyler Gares, 1st Lt Jonathan Gares (USMC), Brianne Gares, Hunter Cobb, Nagangerel Adiyasuren, Charlie Mortensen, and Harrison Mortensen. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Michael Collins, brother-in-law Frank Cepak, sister-in-law Jill (Mark) Decker, sister-in-law Jo (Randy) Allen, and many loving nieces and nephews. Dave was preceded in death by his father and mother, his father-in-law and mother-in-law Lyle and Ruth (Coville) Hulliberger, his brother Michael Gares, his sister Barbara Collins, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Robert and Rebekah (Riggle) Hulliberger and sister-in-law Rebecca Cepak. Dave was a welder at Morbark Industries, retiring in July 2012. Throughout his life, he loved the outdoors and many of his hobbies reflected that love. He enjoyed hunting and fishing as well as photography. He spent a significant amount of his time and energy in various volunteer efforts; from teaching a free fly tying class to the community with friends Dan Lee and Mike Westman, to coaching summer softball leagues when his children were young. He was a firefighter on the Millbrook-Rolland Township Fire Department, eventually becoming Assistant Chief. In addition, Dave was one of the original Medical First Responders with the department, and helped raise funds to start the program. Dave was exceptionally proud of his service with the United States Army, and served from September 1966 to September 1968, which included time overseas in Vietnam. To honor that service, Dave was granted a seat on an Honor Flight, accompanied by his oldest daughter, Jennifer, in October 2023. A memory that they both cherished deeply. He was also a proud member of the VFW posts in Blanchard and most currently Edmore. In his retirement years, Dave and Midge cherished their time camping. He enjoyed the lake, friends, campfires, and tying flies. A memorial service will take place at the Edmore VFW hall (2292 Neff Road NE, Edmore) on Saturday, January 25, 2025 beginning at 1:00 p.m. Graveside services with United States Army Honors will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made in honor of David to the Michigan Honor Flight or the Edmore VFW post. The family would like to express their appreciation to Bruce D. Miller, for all of the help and support he has given Dave and Midge. To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Dave's online guest book, or share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Christiansen’s Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Greenville, 616-754-5638, exclusive providers of Veterans Funeral Care. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of David F. Gares, please visit our flower store.