Gary James Stranahan

GARY STRANAHAN, the youngest of three children born to the late Robert and Mary Jean Stranahan, passed away on May 22, 2026 at the age of 66. Gary was born October 28, 1959 in Huntsville, Alabama where dad Robert was working for Chrysler Corp. at Redstone Arsenal. Right after Gary was born the family moved back to west Detroit on Ray Street where he grew up and made a lot of lifelong friendships.

Gary is survived by his beloved partner/caregiver Katherine (Casey) Karker of 40 years, their daughter Taylor (Jake) McEndree and three grandsons, Ryan, Alex, and Owen McEndree. He had a special bond with daughter Taylor and was an amazing and loving Dad to her.

Gary is also survived by his sister Nancy (David) Brouwer, niece Marin Brouwer, nephew Garret (Lee) Brouwer, great-nephews Robert and Jonathan Brouwer, and great-niece Elizabeth Brouwer. He is also survived by his brother Dale (Denise), and stepson Jason (Angela) Willis.

His love of sports and motorcycles started at a very young age, and he loved playing volleyball, softball and foosball with his friends. He began riding motorcycles at the age of seven. There were many camping trips up north and to Silver Lake sand dunes for motorcycle riding and camping with his core group of friends. A motorcycle accident in 1999 changed everything, leaving him paralyzed, and he spent the next 27 years in a wheelchair.

Over the years he never seemed to complain about the many surgeries and hospital stays he endured after his accident. He always was in high spirits and never let his health get him down. His great story-telling ability and a positive attitude made it a pleasure to get together and talk about the old days. We will all miss his sense of humor and positive attitude.

A celebration of life for Gary will take place on August 15, 2026, at the family home of Casey Karker in Plymouth, Michigan.