Gary L. Wegenke
Age 87 of Dewitt, passed away August 20, 2025.
Gary dedicated his career to the field of public education and administration, retiring from Western Michigan University as Dean of College of Education and Human Development.
He is survived by his wife, Sandra; sons: Bret (Jean) Wegenke and Blake (Krista) Wegenke; daughter-in-law Mary Jo Wegenke; grandchildren: Brandon (Taryn) Wegenke, Kailyn (Eric) Strickler, Samuel (Samantha) Wegenke, Emily (Jake) Tahaney, Ava Wegenke, Gavin Wegenke, great-grandchildren Nora Wegenke, Cali Wegenke, Eleanor Strickler, and James Strickler.
He was preceded in death by his parents, son Bart, and a brother Dan.
The memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at The Peoples Church, 200 W. Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI, 48823. A memorial visitation will be 3:00-6:00p.m., Monday, September 1, 2025 at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel, 325 W. Washtenaw St., Lansing, MI 48933, and for one hour prior to the memorial service at the church on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Canines for Change , or The Peoples Church
A livestream of Gary’s service will be available through the church’s YouTube page https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1874cb1Ehio
16 Messages to “Gary L. Wegenke”
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John Greenslit
August 22, 2025 at 10:16 amGood guy, great loss, “made a difference”, fun partner to helped coach Spartans from our reserved seats! Family first, rich history, educator was model for learning, proud of heritage, compassionate, listener, never judge mental. Legacy will be role model for life.
John Greenslit
Joseph Toubes
August 22, 2025 at 4:45 pmHe was instrumental in me getting an educational program for youth at risk in Des Moines, and always someone who knew me by first name. He was most excellent as superintendent and I missed him as my career in Des Moines progressed. Gary, rest well, you have earned it
Tedd
August 23, 2025 at 7:39 amWhat a man Dr Wegenke was. He led by example in Des Moines and has earned his rewards in Heaven.
Billy Stone
August 23, 2025 at 4:27 pmDr. Wegenke, was a unique man, who believed all children should be well educated by committed, dedicated and well qualified teachers.
Susie Shaw
August 24, 2025 at 10:36 amMy mom and dad are Sally and Larry Veeder. My mom enjoyed working with Gary and always talked about what a nice person he was. My Dad said that he always made him feel like he was a part of the group even though he didn’t work at Western. Please accept our condolences on his passing.
Ellen Corwin
August 24, 2025 at 5:23 pmMy dear Sandy. I am sad to see Gary’s obituary is the DSM paper. My heart hurts for you as you grieve his loss.
You and Gary were special to me during your time in Des Moines. I will always treasure the wonderful dinners we shared in Central’s dinner group.
And I offer my sympathy to you on Bart’s death. I remember him as a young man officiating. I’m sad for your losses. Regards, Ellen
Keith Hearit
August 25, 2025 at 8:26 amA true gentleman. I always enjoyed working with Gary. He is greatly missed at Western.
Keith Hearit
Bill Weckesser
August 25, 2025 at 8:56 amEveryone who knew him was better for the experience.
Jeffrey Fuda
August 25, 2025 at 10:17 amI met Dr. Wegenke in the late 1970’s and found him to be a very gracious man. Although our paths only crossed a few times, he always remembered me and took the time to ask about my professional life and my family. He was a good man and I wanted to extend my condolences to his family.
Patricia McCurrie
August 26, 2025 at 2:06 pmSo very sorry for your loss Sandy, I know he was so loved and respected at WMU. I also send my condolences regarding your loss of your son Bart. May God wrap his arms around you and your family at this difficult time?? I treasured our friendship while you both were in Kalamazoo and think of you often! May all those memories that God Blessed you and Gary bring you comfort and Joy, Pat McCurrie from Identities Salon
Jennifer Dusseau
August 27, 2025 at 6:19 pmThere aren’t words to express how much Mr Gary will be missed!! I am so grateful to have met both Mr Gary & Ms Sandy through the wonderful Shipt/Meijer grocery delivery services! He was a big fan of my truck and it was wonderful to see his eyes light up when I rolled up in it when I came to visit!! I am so honored to be able to meet such an amazing man and he will be truly missed!! Watching the Tigers will never be the same!! Prayers to Ms. Sandy as well as the family!
Marilyn Thornton
August 28, 2025 at 7:36 amSorry for your loss Sandy and family. Gary was a true gentleman. They were my next door neighbors while they lived Waterloo. Prayers be with the family.
Ted Stilwill
August 28, 2025 at 2:50 pmI followed Gary’s educational career in Waterloo and Des Moines, Iowa when I was Director of the Iowa Department of Education. He had the courage to bring to light the shortcomings of the education system for students of color or for those who came from poor families. He was among the first superintendents to do so. He continued to advocate for students even if it was not popular. He took the mission to teach ALL kids seriously and I will always hold him in high esteem.
Michele Cole
September 1, 2025 at 4:03 pmThis man will forever be in my heart. He hired me into the college and when I couldn’t pronounce Wegenke, he said he didn’t understand why it was so hard for me to say Gary. And that was Gary, a simple man who was never above me even though he was my boss. I was so blessed to work with him in an office where we were so close.
He and Sandy have had the best love and the best family and I appreciate the time that I was a part of it. He was never just my boss, he was truly a wonderful person that continues to influence my life all of these years later.
Gary, I won’t ever forget you and all of the family. Tell Van I said “hi” and I love you dearly, Dean, Dr.Wegenke, Boss, Gary, friend.
John Paul Galles
September 2, 2025 at 3:05 pmThank you for posting the memorial service on YouTube.I was pleased to watch, listen, and learn from that wonderful service. So many kind and thoughtful remarks were shared. Gary was kind, sweet, a good listener, and loving. He always “paid attention” to those he encountered. I am so lucky to have known Gary and Sandy from those early days in South Bend, Indiana. I was also fortunate to help him with a millage campaign for the Lansing Schools in 1980. It was a tough time for an automobile town to seek a property tax increase, but we were successful. I was inspired by his leadership in Iowa and at WMU. Wherever he engaged life, he made life better. I looked up to him, learned from him, and from Sandy. The success of their marriage provided a solid foundation for living life to the fullest and staying close to one another. Peace be with you!
Ernie Boykin
September 2, 2025 at 9:51 pmA dedicated educator who enjoyed every challenge & loved his opportunity to create learning environments where young people could thrive. He will be missed