Garry Lee Pickle's Obituary
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Garry Lee Pickle on March 7, 2025, at the age of 86. Garry was born on January 6, 1939, in Muskegon, MI to Martha Jane Rudd and Leonard Pickle.
A graduate of Ferris State University in 1963 with a B.S. in Commerce, Garry was an entrepreneur known for his creativity and sense of humor. Garry purchased his first business in 1963, aptly named Mr. Pics. A customer entering his men’s clothing store in downtown Whitehall in the 1960s and 1970s would be treated to a chocolate dipped pickle on a stick, right out of the barrel, in celebration of International Pickle Week.
Garry married his first wife of 17 years, Judith Briskorn, in 1963. Garry and Judy had two daughters, Leticia (Alan) Hoffman and Belinda (Frank) Perez, and Garry proudly displayed banners that announced the arrival of both daughters in the windows of Mr. Pics. Garry was a devoted father who was always there for his girls.
Garry married his second wife of 43 years, Marilyn Ferris, in 1980. The two were former classmates at Muskegon High School, both graduating in 1957. Garry was a devoted loving husband and stepfather.
During his life Garry was successful in many other business ventures, including running the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp – Camp Store and managing ArJers clothing store in Muskegon. He turned the Camp Store into a thriving business that he ran with his daughters for 12 summers. In 1987 he obtained his realtor’s license and started a new career with Crystal Anderson Realty. He became known for his specialization in condominium sales, earning the nickname of “Mr. Condo.” Later in his career he was a partner in the Just off the Green condominium development in Muskegon.
Garry’s sense of humor inspired smiles and laughter. This and his kindness to others endeared him to everyone he touched, from the congregation at Samuel Lutheran Church where he served as treasurer, to the assisted living facility where he lived his final days. His hobbies included pulling pranks, being the life of the party, winning at slot machines, cruising in his convertible, playing with his grandchildren and hatching plans for new businesses.
Garry was preceded in death by his parents, Martha and Leonard; grandparents, Howard and Mabel Pickle, who played a large role in his upbringing. Also, his stepfather, Robert Sadler; brother, Larry; stepdaughter, Kathy Makinen; and grandchild Madison Lynn Hoffman.
He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; children, Leticia and Belinda; first wife, Judy Thompson; stepson, Kirk (Lori) Weller; son-in-law, John Makinen; and sister-in-law, Barb Pickle. He was a wonderful grandfather to Brittney, Cassandra, Connor, McKenna, Ariana, Eric, Marcus and Alexandra, who will always be remembered as their loving "Peepop".
A Celebration of Life will be held from 12-3:00 PM on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at The Lee Chapel Family Center, 6291 S. Harvey St. Norton Shores, MI 49444 with a Time of Sharing starting at 1:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions in Garry’s honor can be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library: United Way of the Lakeshore. Share memories with the family at www.sytsemafh.com
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