Gary W. Carr

Gary was born on Aug. 8, 1939, in Hillsdale County, Michigan, son of the late Henry and Maryanna (Wilcox) Carr. He graduated from Coldwater High School in Coldwater, Mich., in 1957. Gary went on to attend the University of Michigan School of Natural Resources, where he earned a bachelor of science degree in wildlife management and a bachelor of science degree in forestry. He served honorably in the United States Army from 1963 to 1966.

On June 16, 1962, in Hillsdale County, Gary married the love of his life, Melisse (Petrtyl) Carr. Their marriage was a lifelong partnership filled with shared adventures and deep devotion.

Gary dedicated 34 years to the USDA Forest Service as a forester, retiring on April 1, 1995. Much of his career was spent in New Hampshire, working in the White Mountain National Forest, as well as in Michigan’s Hiawatha National Forest out of Sault Ste. Marie and Rapid River. He concluded his career as district ranger in Florence, Wis., for the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.

An active community member, Gary attended the First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford, belonged to the Society of American Foresters, Society of Les Voyageurs, and the Dickinson County Conservation District, where he served on the board.

Gary was an avid outdoorsman who cherished woodworking, woodcarving, hiking, canoeing, and hunting. He was involved in the Wood-Bee Woodcarvers Club and the Silent Sporters group, finding joy in creating and connecting with nature and fellow enthusiasts.

He is survived by his loving wife, Melisse Carr of Iron Mountain; his son, David (Tammie) Carr, also of Iron Mountain; two sisters, Sharon Temples of Coldwater and Janet Sundby of Port Angeles, Wash.; as well as several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Gary was also preceded in death by a son, James E. Carr.

The family is deeply grateful for the loving care provided by the staff at Evergreen Meadows Memory Care in Norway.

A visitation will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford. A memorial service will follow at 10 a.m. at the church, with the Rev. Bob Malsack officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to plant a tree in Gary’s memory.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Gary W. Carr online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.