Obituary of Gary Allen McMall

Gary Allen McMall passed away at home on Thursday, February 8, 2018, after a long and heroic battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), at age 57. Gary was diagnosed in 2015, endured with faith and positivity and will be remembered for that strength and grace. In this difficult journey, Gary was cared for by his loving wife of 33 years, Beth Handley-McMall, along with his son, Alexander McMall and his wife, Madeleine, his daughter, Sara McClain and her husband, Matthew, and many other family members and friends. The family is grateful to Tomeka Edwards for her loving and selfless caregiving for Gary. The family would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Denise and Jane with Americans Hospice. Gary was born on April 16, 1960, in Saginaw, to Helen and Allen McMall, Sr. He was predeceased by his mother and father, and his brother, Allen McMall, Jr. He married Beth Handley on October 6, 1984. He is survived by his two sisters, Susan (Bob) Brechtelsbauer and Denise (Brian) Klosterman. He was also survived by: his sisters-in law, Pat (Jim) Gabrielse, Alice (Steve) Early, Barb (Terry) Handley-Miller, brother-in law, Dan (Julie) Handley, sister-in law, Kathleen (Hank) Salemi, and many nieces, nephews, and Godchildren. Gary was a graduate of Saginaw Valley State University. He worked for many years with Dale Carnegie Training, and retired from Berkshire Hathaway Real Estate in Saginaw. One of the highlights of his life was riding his bicycle cross-country from Virginia to the Oregon coast. When he returned, he proposed to Beth. He loved boating and waterskiing at their beloved family cabin on Wiggins Lake, snow skiing, and treasured his memories of his trip to Ireland with Beth, Alex, and Sara in 2015. Gary was well-loved by so many in the community. He served many years on the St. Mary's Foundation Board, Junior Achievement Board, St. Stephen Parish Council, and volunteer activities at Nouvel Catholic Central. FUNERAL: A Funeral Liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 15, 2018 at St. Dominic Parish, St. Stephen Catholic Church, 1310 Malzahn. Rev. Fr. Robert Byrne and Rev. Fr. Steve Gavit will concelebrate. Rite of Committal will follow in St. Andrew Cemetery. VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Wednesday from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A Vigil Service will take place at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday evening led by Pastoral Associate, Sharon Wahl. Gary will lie in state at the church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to a scholarship for a Nouvel Catholic Central graduate to attend Saginaw Valley State University c/o Elizabeth McMall. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.