Gary Steven Kolonich

Age 83 of Lansing passed away January 22, 2026. He was born February 25, 1942, in Highland Park, Michigan to the late Steven P. and Elsie L. (Spencer) Kolonich.

Gary was a devoted member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church. He worked at General Motors as a journeyman electrician, retiring in 2003 after 38 years of service. Early in his life Gary was an avid canoe racer and even placed 2 nd in the 1959 AuSable River Canoe Marathon. He enjoyed traveling and camping with his family, fishing and hunting. Gary was also a good auto mechanic and helped keep many of his kid’s cars on the road. He was a MSU Spartan sports fan and loved following his children and grandchildren’s sports events.

Gary is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sandra E. Kolonich, children: Barabara Anne (Daniel) Collisi, Shawn Michael (Jennifer) Kolonich, and Eric William (Jennifer) Kolonich; grandchildren: Jack Kolonich, Emersyn (fiancé Nicholas Kadluboski) Kolonich, Makenna Kolonich, Josiah Kolonich, and Kai Kolonich; siblings: Ken Kolonich, and Zora Shirey; sisters-in-law: Linda Kolonich, and Paula Kolonich; brother-in-law Bob Stevens; as well as an aunt, nieces, nephews and many other extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, infant son Terry Steven Kolonich in 1969; siblings Burrell Kolonich, Gilbert Kolonich and Katherine Stevens; and a sister-in-law Carla Kolonich.

The funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m., Monday, January 26, 2026, at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 2418 N. Aurelius Rd, Holt, MI 48842, with Pastor Dean Poellet officiating. Visitation will be at the church on Monday, 9:00-11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to  St. Matthew Lutheran Church, The Lutheran Hour Ministries, or Holt Lutheran School. Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Holt/Delhi Chapel.