Gary James Walerius, Age 78, of Monroe, MI and Davenport, FL, passed away early Thursday Morning, November 3, 2022, at ProMedica Regional Hospital.
Gary was born April 26, 1944, in Monroe, Son of Josephine (Petit) and James J. "Jungle Jim" Walerius. In his youth he attended Jefferson schools and could often be found working on cars or racing his "hot rods" in his early teens. Gary enjoyed having a good time and maybe even breaking a few rules from time-to-time.
In April 1964 Gary married the love of his life Sharon. They had four wonderful children, Tammy (Kirk) Shipman, Gary Russell "Monk" (Tracey) Walerius, Holly (Chris) Reiser and Ann (Darrell) Gotz. All of whom enjoyed Dirt-biking or pedal biking with their father in their early youth and he was always there to support them in their hobbies and future life. In his 58 years with Sharon, they built a strong Family that extended beyond blood.
Gary turned his passion of fixing vehicles into a business of his own in the early 70's with the opening his "LaSalle Truck Sales". Gary owned and operated this business for several years until his retirement in 2002. Those who knew him well enough may have been lent a little business knowledge from the man himself and would likely say they learned a few things about running their own business from Gary.
In his later years he could be found on the golf course, riding his pontoon hunting for gators, or still cruising around in a hot rod (maybe even on the lookout for a new one). Gary and Sharon would spend their winters as "Snowbirds" and have done so in Davenport Florida for the last twenty years. At his winter home Gary enjoyed warm weather, car shows, and hanging with his many friends as an active member of the Polo Park East Community.
Gary is survived by not only his wife and four children, but his sister Sherry Ann Werstein, and his eight grandchildren, Eric (Deadri) Shipman, Ashley Shipman, Tyler and Shelby Walerius, Alicia (Harrison) Schweihofer, DJ, Mariah and Travis Gotz as well as seven great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents and three siblings, Rosemary Ford, Lonnie Walerius and David Walerius.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 12, 2022 from 11 a.m. with a memorial service following at 3 p.m. at Bacarella Funeral home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., Monroe.
The family suggests memorial contributions to be made to Oaks of Righteousness.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com .