Gary L. Brink, age 79 years of Wauseon died Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at ProMedica Toledo Hospital. He was born June 17, 1946, in Morenci, Michigan but was raised in Fulton County Ohio, the son of Jack and Ola (Belknap) Brink.
Gary graduated from Chesterfield High School with the Class of 1964. He was Salutatorian of his class where he played basketball and baseball and was involved in the High School Choir. He then graduated with a BA from Adrian College and then from Eastern Michigan with a Master’s Degree in Mathematics. He was employed by Blissfield Community Schools for 40 years where he taught high school math, coached boys and girls JV and varsity basketball, boys and girls cross country and served as athletic director for 4 years. He also taught driver’s education for 34 years. In 2009 he was inducted into the Blissfield High School Athletic Hall of Fame.
In 1967 Gary married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Carol Spengler. They spent the next 53 years in Blissfield Michigan, both teachers in Blissfield. An important part of their lives was spent in the Blissfield Baptist Church, where Gary was a Deacon, Adult Sunday School Teacher and, along with Carol, oversaw the music program. He was the Choir Director containing up to 42 members. Doing a Christmas and Easter cantata each year was a highlight. He loved the choir as it was the chance to proclaim the gospel through music.
He loved his three daughters, Lori, Debi and Heather, his two son in laws and his four grandchildren. He was very proud of them and loved spending time with them
In 2020, they moved back to Wauseon where again they were privileged to serve at Haven Heights Baptist Church teaching and helping with the music.
Without a doubt the most important decision of his life was as a young person, he accepted Jesus as his Savior. Gary was always amazed that some people would not accept the free gift of salvation offered by Jesus (the Son of God) by simply admitting they were sinners, believing that Jesus died in their place and asking Christ to save them. (Romans 10:13) And then to be able to serve their Savior was a privilege.
Surviving in addition to his wife, of 58 years, Carol, are his three children, Lori (Kurt) Sahloff of Ottawa, Ohio; Debra (Scott) Stoddard of Jackson, Michigan; Heather Brink of Largo Florida; four grandchildren, Amanda Sahloff, Kiersten Stoddard, Seth Sahloff, and Kady Stoddard. Also surviving are his brothers Richard (Kay) Brink, Steve (Julie) Brink; his sisters Betty (Bob) Bieber and Denise (Rick) Kamcza and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Gary was preceded in death by his parents.
A Funeral Service for Gary will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, August 22,2025, at the Blissfield Baptist Church, 717 N. Monroe St., Blissfield, MI 49228, with Pastor Tom Frantz and Pastor Lance Wyse officiating. Burial will be at Wauseon Union Cemetery, Wauseon at 2:30 P.M. Visitation will be at the church on Thursday, August 21, 2025, from 3-7 P.M. Memorial contributions can be made to Haven Heights Baptist Church or a charity of the donor’s choice. Friends can express sympathies to the family online by visiting the tribute wall at www.marryfh.com. Arrangements have been made with the guidance of the Marry Funeral Home, Blissfield.