Multi-instrumentalist from Michigan
Gary Wynn Wakenhut, originally from Lakeview, MI, and later a resident of Vanderbilt, passed away on February 22, 2017, at Hiland Cottage Hospice House in Petoskey. He was born in 1940 in Jackson, Michigan, to Wynn and Arlene Wakenhut.
At the age of 10, Gary's mother gifted him the clarinet she had played during her high school years, also sharing a quote from Albert Schweitzer: “You will never know how much your music will mean to you.” This sentiment proved to be true, as music became a central part of his life. He participated in various bands and orchestras throughout his schooling in Ann Arbor and Northville high schools, as well as in Michigan State University’s marching and concert bands. Additionally, he led his own big band and contributed to the Flat River Big Band, Greenville’s Danish Band, and numerous community bands, choirs, and pit orchestras. It was in the Traverse City Symphony that he met Anne Wunsch, and they married on June 11, 1966, in Omena. Together, they formed a musical duo known as The Collecting Consort, performing across Michigan for over three decades.
Gary received his BA in Radio and Television Production from MSU in 1962 and spent a decade as the supervisor of recording at Interlochen. He later returned to MSU to obtain an MA in Guidance and Personnel Services in 1968. Gary dedicated 10 years as a counselor at the Montcalm County Mental Health Center, followed by 15 years in private practice, while also teaching part-time at Montcalm Community College.
Inspired by Albert Schweitzer’s philosophy, Gary committed his life to “making this world a better place,” taking joy in helping others reach their fullest potential. He volunteered with various organizations, including Hospice of Michigan, the Montcalm County Commission on Aging, church committees, prison re-entry programs, and the Lakeview Seniors, which he initiated. Known as the “Flute Man” (a Certified Music Practitioner), he provided music therapy in hospitals, hospice care, and assisted living facilities. He and Anne traveled to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina to perform music during Christmas and also taught at an orphanage in Kenya.
In 2014, Gary and Anne relocated to Song of the Morning Yoga Retreat, where he created promotional videos and participated in various environmental and developmental committees.
Over his career, he produced 13 recordings with The Collecting Consort, wrote and produced numerous radio programs for NPR, and created various DVDs. He trained as a Spiritual Director through the Grand Rapids Dominican Center, guiding many individuals on their spiritual journeys. Additionally, he authored a book for parents and produced numerous programs for school assemblies, church events, and other organizations.
A passionate gardener, Gary loved sharing his gardening knowledge and the fruits of his labor with others.
Gary was remembered as a kind, patient, and creative individual who deeply cherished his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of fifty years, Anne Wakenhut of Vanderbilt; daughter Jennifer (Jerry) Johnson of Winn; son Michael Wakenhut of Mt. Pleasant; and seven grandchildren: Jessup Hetzman (Jessica Mikel) of Alma, Alyshia (Jordan) Ramon of Crystal, Kane Johnson of Winn, Kaleb Hetzman (Brittinie Finch) of Riverdale, Westyn Gary Holmes, Annie Jane Holmes, and Jamie Johnson of Winn. He also leaves behind seven great-grandchildren: Noah, Isabelle, Casey, Matthew, Kayden, Luke, and Greyson. He was preceded in death by his parents and his mother-in-law, Jane Wunsch Isaacsen, and fathers-in-law Dr. Richard Wunsch and Ernest Isaacsen.
