Garry A. Shidler
Garry A. Shidler, 66, Rochester, was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away at home following a valiant battle with cancer.
Born Jan. 28, 1951, in Pulaski County, Garry Arthur Shidler was a treasured son of Thomas and May Linback Shidler. Growing up as one of 13 children, he shared his childhood with seven brothers and five sisters. With great pride Garry graduated from Pulaski High School in 1969.
On Oct. 27, 1979, at the Burton Church, Garry married the love of his life, Elaine Kamp. They enjoyed over 37 years of life’s adventures. From their union came two handsome sons. The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of two grandsons.
An avid outdoorsman, Garry enjoyed fishing in Fulton County and accompanying his brothers on fishing trips to Minnesota, Kentucky and Tennessee. Late May when the morels made their appearance beckoned him to his favorite mushroom hunting locales around the area. Annually the Shidler family floated the Tippecanoe, embracing nature and the scenery along the river’s banks.
Always for the underdog, Garry was a huge NASCAR fan. A new race would allow him to root for the underdog and a different driver each time. He also enjoyed cheering for the Indianapolis Colts. At home, Garry worked on small engines, especially lawn mowers in his garage shop. He embraced the challenge of troubleshooting before applying his knowledge to restore the mowers to top running condition.
Annually Garry and Elaine planted a huge truck patch garden. He loved all aspects of gardening and managed to plant bumper crops of tomatoes and Black Beauty zucchini. They shared their produce with family, friends and neighbors. Garry was always there to help his loved ones, whether it was overseeing projects or lending a hand, he was always ready and available to pitch in.
Left to cherish Garry’s memory are his wife Elaine at home; two sons: Adam Shidler and wife Kelly of Rochester; Brent Shidler and wife Dana of Huntington; grandchildren: Cash Thomas, Trace Jeffrey; due to arrive in late March 2017 is Camden Edward; and the family’s first granddaughter arriving in June 2017. Ten siblings: Iris Simonin of Lafayette; Oren Shidler and wife Maria of Knox; Delores Morgan of Monticello; Maxine Smith of Winamac; Dennis Shidler and wife Judy of Royal Center; Fred Shidler and wife Ann of Monticello; Frank Shidler and wife Carla of Star City; Jake Shidler and wife Karen of Logansport; Lou Grauel and husband Eddie of California; Trish Dahlenburg and husband Mark of Lafayette; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and his loyal canine companions the black and tan Great Danes Lucy and Tess.
Garry was predeceased by his parents; two brothers: Ron and his wife Rosemary; Duke and his wife Pauline; and two brother-in-laws: Chuck Simonin and Bob Smith.
A celebration of the life of Garry A. Shidler will be held at 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17 at the Metea Baptist Church. His family will receive friends from 4-7 p.m. Thursday in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18th Street, Rochester. Pastor Mark Foreman will officiate.
Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to the Metea Baptist Church 7391 North State Road 25, Lucerne, IN 46950 or the Fulton County Animal Education and Adoption Center thru the NICF 715 Main Street, Rochester, IN 46975.