Former Rochester resident and graduate of the RHS Class of '54, Gary passed away of natural causes at age 85 in his treasured Lake Havasu City, Arizona home. Born to Gerald and Florence (Gruwell) McMillen in Rochester, IN, he was the big brother of the late Billy (Patricia) McMillen of Rochester. He moved to Evart, MI in 1966 as part of a long career with Dean Foods Corporation, from which he eventually retired in 1983.

He was married to Donna (Doerr-Flachs) McMillen in 1970, and together they owned and operated Flachs Party Store in Evart until 1999. He was a long-standing member of the Evart Chamber of Commerce, the Saladin Shriners Masonic Organization, and also the local Elks and Moose lodges. Gary grew up on a farm and had a life-long love of agriculture. He was very active in FFA as a youngster.

Gary and Donna were "snowbirds," having initially purchased a home in Lake Havasu in 1988, and wintering there every year together until Donna's passing in 2013. Gary continued to winter in Arizona through this season.

His love of the outdoors ran deep, and he enjoyed spending time fishing, hunting, and tinkering at his tree farm. Although it can neither be confirmed nor denied, he claimed to have fished every lake in Osceola County. His children would tend to agree that it is very likely. He treasured an annual family trip to the upper peninsula of Michigan, where quality time was spent with his sons and grandsons fishing in the pristine lakes of the Crystal Falls area. These trips are among the best times that any of us have ever had, not only on the water, but playing cards, cooking feasts, fixing boats, and contemplating life.

Gary and Donna loved gathering with family and friends, and card games were often the device to bring them together. Whether it was Euchre, Horsethief or Penny-ante Poker, he would say to the kids, "C'mon and play, it won't cost you much."  Between good-natured chiding and singing about the Jack of Diamonds, his joy of the game and the camaraderie of family and friends playing and laughing together was infectious.

Gary is survived by sons Mitchell McMillen (Lisa Durba) of New Milford, CT; Jon McMillen (Cathy) of Huntsville, AL; Chuck Flachs (Karen) of Evart; daughters Jazanne McMillen of Gallatin Gateway, MT; Cheryl McMillen (Connie Juntunen) of Falls Church, VA; June Mitchell of Evart; Margaret Westmaas of Marion, MI; Deb Bryant (Dennis) of Evart; daughters-in-law Lisa McMillen of Rochester and Melanie Flachs of Evart; 22 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren, as well as special friend Wanda Rossiter of Evart.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Donna; sons Bill Flachs of Evart; Greg McMillen of Rochester; infant grandson Blaine McMillen; daughter Julie Paisley; sons-in-law Jim Mitchell and David Westmaas; and his parents Gerald and Florence.

Family was very important to Gary, and he greatly enjoyed visiting and spending time with his children, grandchildren, in-laws, friends and loved ones. In recent years, Gary and his dear friend Wanda were often hosted at family events, and it would be no surprise if he brought his famous pineapple upside-down cake or five-bean salad.  A fish fry at Gary's house was a special event and the fish, onion rings and homemade chips would often be devoured before Gary could sit down to join dinner.

Gary's influence on the lives of all that he touched was immeasurable, from his friends, acquaintances, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, to nearly all those that he encountered – he was truly one-of-a-kind. We'll miss his stories, his wry sense of humor, colorful limericks and countless expressions, but we know them by heart and will share them with the next generation. We are assured knowing that in the end, he did everything his way.

A celebration of life will be held in Evart, MI at a time to be determined later.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to Shriners Hospitals for Children.