
Gary Lebowski
2025-09-11The doors will open for family and friends at 10:00 a.m., with the memorial service starting at 11:00 a.m.
Gary Joseph Lebowski, 72, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2025. He was predeceased by his wife Donna Lebowski, father Eugene Lebowski, mother Rose Lebowski, and brothers Steve Lebowski and David Lebowski. Also predeceased by father-in-law Jesse McKee, brother-in-law Robert McKee, sister-in-law Jennifer McKee, co-brother-in-law Larry Norris, and nephew Jason Norris.
Beloved uncle to Michael (Michelle), Amber (Michael), Samuel, Anthony, and Brian (Kristen); Great-uncle to Mitchell, Vincent, Amelia, Emersen, and Ava. Adored son-in-law to Margaret McKee and dear brother-in-law to Joann Martin-Lebowski and Doris Norris. Also, uncle to Larry, Tina, Katie, Shawn, Dana, Keith, Jesse, Drew, Kyle, Dylan, Allis, and great-uncle to Elias. Cherished friend to many.
Gary was a great man. A strong man. A man that many saw as a protector. While he was known to be a bruiser, he rarely started a quarrel. That was his brother Steve’s department. Always calling on Gary to save him from trouble. One of many examples of his loyalty to family and friends.
Gary was quite the athlete. During his time at Southfield-Lathrup High School, he was a state-qualifying wrestler and a two-year all-conference linebacker on the football team. As a senior, he was selected as The Most Valuable Athlete of the Year. Golf ultimately became his favorite hobby.
Gary overcame much adversity at a young age. He lost his younger brother, David, at the age of 30, and his mother passed when he was only 34. He defeated non-Hodgkin’s disease, not once, but twice during his 20s and 40s.
Gary was deeply in love with his wife of 36 years, Donna, or as he calls her, “My Sweetie”. The two became inseparable. They enjoyed traveling afar, taking long road trips, and a short occasional stay at a casino up north. He loved her more than words can describe.
Gary prioritized his loved ones above all else. He was supportive, caring, and present. This was shown by his devotion to his nephews and nieces. He may have had the title “Uncle Gary”, but he was often looked at as a father figure and role model.
He was known for his charm and character. This did him well as a bartender during his younger days, then later as a salesman at Ameritech where he sold advertisements for the yellow pages. During that time, he developed an instinct for connection and service. In fact, his employer sent him to Hawaii five times for being a top salesman.
After retiring from Ameritech relatively early, he assisted his brother Steve to expand his law firm through various marketing techniques. Gary’s dedication and vision were instrumental in helping the firm grow. They were then not only the best of brothers, but thriving business partners as well.
Beyond his professional achievements, Gary was a simple man. He loved to spend the day grilling at home, then spending hours reminiscing of how great the ribs turned out. A perfect weekend would be a backyard BBQ, a round of golf, beautifying his landscaping, and a Lions win on Sunday.
Gary was a gentleman and one of the kindest people to have known. He was widely admired for his warmth, generosity, and calm spirit. He leaves behind a legacy that will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and colleagues.