Gary LeRoy Schlarf

Ursula, Eric, and Tammy Schlarf are sorry to announce the passing of their father, Gary Schlarf, who died on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.

Gary was born in Owosso, Michigan, on January 28, 1938, to L.G. and Alpha (Sawer) Schlarf. He grew up in Owosso and graduated from high school in 1956. From there, he went to Detroit, where he worked for a short period for the world-famous Vernors Ginger Soda Company, before he entered the army in 1958.

While on a trip to Danville, Illinois, with a buddy, Gary decided to go out on a blind date with Mary Jo Corn. Best blind date ever. They married in 1959 and headed to El Paso, TX. 

Shortly after Gary was honorably discharged in 1962, he and Mary Jo made what was supposed to be a temporary stop back in Danville. While there, he was offered a job at GE. He worked at GE/Valmont until the plant closed. After a few years at Olin, he permanently "called in sick".

Gary will be forever remembered for his love of family, Vernors, and the Michigan Wolverines.

His passing will leave a big hole in the lives of his children, Ursula, Eric & Tammy; his grandchildren, Kate (Adam Mullins) Schlarf, Jenna (Jordan) Carpenter; his great-grandchildren, Wesley and Maitlynn Carpenter; his dog, Peanut (everyone knows Peanut); and close friends Ron & Marilee Anderson, Sarah Beedle, and too many others to list (but you know who you are).

In death, Gary joins his late wife and parents.

Services for Gary will be held at Shelby & Keller Funeral Home. Visitation will be on Monday, February 9, 2026, from 4:00 - 7:00 PM (ET), with the funeral service to take place the following day on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, also at the funeral home. The service will start at 11:00 AM (ET) and will be led by Pastor Scott Randolph. Following the service, Gary will be buried at Lower Mound Cemetery beside Mary Jo.