Gary Frank Trimmer
Gary Frank Trimner, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and dairy advocate, passed away peacefully at home on September 2, 2024, in Howell, Michigan, at the age of 74. Born on January 13, 1950, in Reed City, Michigan, Gary's life was marked by dedication to his family, his career, and the great outdoors.
Gary's journey began as the son of Edward and Jerrine Trimner, growing up in Hersey, Michigan with his loving siblings, Karen and Lee, and enjoying time with several cousins as well. His early life at his grandfather’s farm set the stage for his lifelong commitment to farmers and the dairy industry. In high school, Gary was a decorated athlete playing both basketball and football, while working as a milker on a nearby dairy farm. After high school, Gary pursued his passion for agriculture, earning a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Health in 1972 from what was then known as Ferris State College. As the first college graduate in his family, this education was crucial to him and would serve as the bedrock for his impactful career.
Professionally, Gary was a respected member of the dairy community, dedicating over three decades to the Michigan Milk Production Association (MMPA). He retired as the Director of Member Services and Quality Control in 2012 after a successful 36-and-a-half-year tenure. His expertise and leadership extended to various organizations, including the National Mastitis Council, where he served on the Board of Directors, and the International Milk & Food Environmental Sanitations Association, where he was a member for 40 years. As a Registered Sanitarian for both Illinois and Michigan, Gary's work ensured the safety and quality of dairy products across those states.
Gary's influence was further recognized through his service on the National Conference on Interstate Milk Shipments (NCIMS), Council 3, and the Methods Committee. His voice was valued on both the Indiana and Michigan Dairy Advisory Panels and the Michigan Environmental Assurance Program (MEAP), where he co-chaired the Livestock Committee and was appointed to the Administrative Committee by the Governor of Michigan. One of his proudest moments was having a plaque placed in his honor at Michigan State University’s College of Agirculture and his picture established in the Michigan State University Pavillion.
In his personal life, Gary was blessed with a loving family. On September 5, 1970, he married Mary Jane Nelson in Reed City. Although they would eventually part ways, they amicably raised two children, Darren (Christina Kunzman) and Sarah Trimner (Michael Soehl). In 1987, Gary met his great love Carolyn (Taffe) at MMPA. They were lovingly joined in matrimony on June 18, 1994. With their wedding, Gary became a stepfather to Carolyn’s son Sean Taffe (Michelle), a role that brought him great joy. Together Gary and Carolyn built a strong 30-year marriage, celebrating life at their cottage on Lake Mitchell and their homestead in Howell, enjoying time with family and friends, and taking great care to work on home projects together.
In addition to being a proud father to Darren and Sarah, Gary was a loving grandfather to Owen, Benjamin, and Emelia Soehl. He delighted in hearing about their athletic accomplishments, taking pride in recording their stats and sending encouraging messages to all three. He especially loved watching his eldest grandson play basketball at Michigan State’s summer camp, often finding a way to sneak in a word and handshake with Coach Tom Izzo. Gary’s loving family circle extended to include step-grandchildren Morela and Kian Taffe, and Madison Kunzman, whom he loved as his own.
An avid outdoorsman, Gary relished hunting and fishing, and his enthusiasm for dairy farms never waned. He was a devoted fan of the Detroit Tigers and Michigan State University athletics, sharing his love for sports with friends and family alike. Gary's passion for the outdoors and the dairy industry was matched only by his love for his two beloved beagles, Guenevere and Shiloh, who were his constant companions during their time on earth. In honor of he and Carolyn’s love of animals, they established the Trimner Endowment in Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary Sciences.
Gary's commitment to his community was evident through his active membership in the United Methodist Church in both Ravenna and Howell, Michigan. His service continued into retirement as he contributed to the Farm Bureau, the AgriPac Candidate Evaluation Committee, and as a delegate to the State Farm Bureau Annual Meeting.
Described as loving and passionate, Gary's legacy is one of unwavering dedication to the things he held dear: his family, his work, and the natural world. His impact on the dairy industry and environmental health will be remembered by colleagues and friends, while his family will cherish memories of his guidance, love, and the shared moments that brought joy to their lives. Gary's life was a testament to the values he embraced: hard work, commitment to excellence, and the importance of family and community.
Gary’s family were receiving friends and family for visitation at Watkins Brothers Funeral Homes, MacDonald Chapel in Howell on Friday, September 6, 2024 from 3:00–7:00 p.m. A funeral service was to be held at Oak Grove United Methodist Church, 6686 Oak Grove Road in Howell on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 11:00 a.m., with time for viewing starting at 10:00 a.m. Gary was to be laid to rest immediately following services at Sanford Cemetery. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Gary’s life.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Trimner Endowment at Michigan State University. Please visit www.WatkinsFuneralHomes.com for more information.
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