Gary L. VanWassehnova Sr.

Gary Lee VanWassehnova, Sr., age 76 of Monroe, passed away peacefully at Toledo ProMedica Hospital on Friday, February 3, 2023. Born February 15, 1946 at Mercy Hospital in Monroe, Gary was the son of the late LeRoy and Anna (Meyers) VanWassehnova of South Rockwood, Michigan. He graduated from Trenton High School in 1965 and served his country during the Vietnam War in the U.S. Army from April 22, 1966 until being honorably discharged on April 4, 1968. On September 13, 1969, Gary married Barbara J. Bruck at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Maybee, MI. They were blessed to celebrate their 50th Anniversary in 2019. Gary worked at many places until he was hired by U.S. Silica in Rockwood on September 8, 1968. He was employed there for 43 years as a Millwright before retiring in 2011. Gary loved his family, friends, and special neighbors. No matter how hard and long he worked, he made time for all. In his spare time, he worked on many vehicles and enjoyed wood working. Gary was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church and a life member of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 142. Gary is survived by his wife Barbara; two sons, Gary (Nadine) VanWassehnova, Jr. and Joseph VanWassehnova, both of Monroe; daughter, Sally (Derik) Augusta of Bardstown, KY; three grandchildren, Samantha Augusta of Monroe, Gage VanWassehnova of Shepherdsville, KY, and Brock VanWassehnova of Monroe; great-granddaughter, Presleigh; step great-granddaughter, Kinley; brother Matheau (Janet) VanWassehnova of South Rockwood; sister, Mary Jane (Ron) Masserant of Newport; in-Laws: Timothy and Patricia Blackmore, Henry and Joanne Salenbien, Thomas and Mary Lynn Bruck, Ronald and Kathleen Bressler, and George “Hunter” (Connie) Brucks. In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by a brother, Allen Joseph VanWassehnova, and his parents-in-law, George and Joyce Bruck. Family and friends may visit from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8th at Bacarella Funeral Home where the Rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. by Tim Blackmore. Gary will lie in state Thursday at 10 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 11 a.m. by the church pastor, Rev. Fr. David Burgard followed by burial at St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorial donations are suggested to St. Mary Church or a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com.

Gary L. VanWassehnova Sr.

February 15, 1946 - February 3, 2023