Garry Lee Purdy, Sr.

Garry Lee Purdy, Sr., age 85, of Grand Haven, passed away on Sunday, March 1, 2026, peacefully with his loving family by his side. He was born on February 9, 1941, in Grand Haven, MI, to the late John and Gertrude (Ogden) Purdy. Garry married Sandra Lou Helmers on August 14, 1964, in Spring Lake. She preceded him in death on April 13, 2016, after sharing 52 years of marriage.

Garry graduated from Grand Haven High School and later, received his bachelor's degree from Ferris State University. He proudly served his country in the US Army as a Military Policeman from 1959 to 1962.

After his discharge from the Army, Garry earned his electrician certification and worked as an electrician in the early part of his career, leading him to spearhead the electrical course program at the Careerline Tech Center, which he taught to the students for 25 years. He was well loved and fondly known as the "Best Teacher" by the faculty and students.

Garry enjoyed playing fast-pitch softball for 20 years and coached baseball, softball, and football for many years. He also was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, golfing, bow-hunting, and making turquoise jewelry. Garry loved his grandchildren dearly, and he especially loved traveling with his wife, Sandra.

Garry will be forever remembered and missed by his daughter, Andrea (Anthony) Errico; his son, Garry (Erin) Purdy, Jr.; seven well-loved grandchildren: Gabriel, Isabella, and Sofia Purdy, AJ, Ashley, Alyssa, and Avery Errico; sisters, Gloria Satterfield and Charyle (Charlie) Sandoval; several nieces and nephews; and his good friends: Bill Thelen, Guy Flom, and Phil Breuker.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Sandra; brother, John O. Purdy; parents-in-law, Arend and Henrietta Helmers; brother-in-law, Harrell Satterfield; and good friend, Tom Streng.

The Funeral Service for Garry will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Klaassen Family Funeral Home with Pastor Tim Taylor officiating. Full Military Honors to be performed by the American Legion Charles A. Conklin Post 28. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will be at Grand Haven Township Lakeshore Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan.

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