Gary Custer

Gary Custer, of Portage, passed away on Thursday, February 11, 2021 at the age of 67. Gary was born on August 9, 1953 in Plainwell, Michigan. He grew up in Parchment and graduated from Parchment High School in 1971. Following High School Gary enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served his country as a Medical Specialist until his Honorable Discharge in 1979. Gary began working at Western Michigan University in 1989. During his employment at WMU Gary obtained his Ice Technician certifications and maintained the ice at Lawson Ice Arena for the Bronco Hockey Teams and Lawson Lunitics. Both teams were Gary’s passion and he spent many prideful years working with and traveling with the teams until his retirement in 2017. During Gary’s leisure time he enjoyed traveling with his wife, spending time with his children and grandchildren, rooting for the Broncos, reading history and military books, and riding his motorcycle. He was the son of Merritt and Beverly (Miller) Custer. He is survived by his wife, Judy Custer, mother, Beverly Lew; children, Christie Hoover, Ashlie (Federico) Vogel, Timothy Crampton, Stephanie (Ray) Gower, and Jeremy (Mallori) Custer; and grandchildren, Olivia, Braylynne, Nya, Peyton, Jadyn, Ethan, Blake, Ryder, and Logan. Gary is preceded in death by his father, Merritt Custer. A private family burial will take place on Monday, February 22nd @ 1130am at Fort Custer National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kalamazoo Animal Rescue. The family is being assisted by Avink Funeral Home & Cremation Society, 5975 Lovers Ln., Portage, MI 49002. (269)344-5600. www.avinkcremation.com.