Gary Michael Baetens, age 82, of Clinton, MI, passed away on Sunday, April 13, 2025 at Michigan Medicine in Ann Arbor, MI. He was born on January 18, 1943, at St. John’s Hospital in Detroit, MI, the son of the late Henry Everest and Mary (Formanak) Baetens. Gary earned his Bachelors Degree at Wayne State University. He was joined in marriage with Kathryn Ann Landau at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Gross Point on October 21, 1972 and they enjoyed over 52 years together.
Gary retired after working as an Industrial Engineer at General Motors for 43 years. He was a faithful member of St. Dominic’s Catholic Church in Clinton, MI, for forty-five years, as well as a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of the St. Bonaventure Capuchin Monastery in Detroit and was involved in a great deal of charity work. Additionally, he was a member of the M Club and worked on the event team and all the games at the University of Michigan. Gary was an avid golfer and he especially loved following all of his grandchildren’s’ sports.
In addition to his wife, Kathy, Gary is survived by his three children, Mary Beth Lips of Clinton MI, Cari Zupko of Livonia, MI, and Bryan (Kelly) Baetens of Willis, MI; his seven grandchildren, Nicholas Baetens of Jacksonville, FL, Andrew Baetens of Jefferson Town, KY, Dylan (Cayla) Zupko of Livonia, MI, Ethan Zupko of Massachusetts, Aaron and Braden Lips, both of Clinton, MI, and Wyatt Landau of Canton, MI; and one great-grandchild, Eleanor Zupko of Livonia, MI.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Lynn Baetens.
At Gary’s request, cremation has taken place. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Tecumseh, MI at 12pm on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 with Fr. Peter Clark as Celebrant. Visitation will be from 10am until the time of the Memorial Mass at 12pm. Inurnment will take place at a later date in St. Dominics Catholic Cemetery in Clinton, MI.