Guy McGladdery

Guy was born in Detroit, MI to Carl Holton McGladdery of Sunrise, KY and Germaine Manzanera of Oran, Algeria, on May 12, 1949. Guy then moved to live and farm with his step-father, William Thompson and family in Minder City, MI. He graduated from Deckerville High School in 1967, where he held the mile Cross Country record for 10 years. He attended Northern Michigan University until he volunteered in the U.S. Army in 1969, becoming a medic and ambulance driver in Germany.

After Guy’s service with the Army, he returned to Marquette where he met the love of his life, Dawn Eileen Karas in October of 1972 and they married on July 20, 1974. They celebrated 50 years of marriage this past July on Mackinac Island.

Guy had one child of his heart, Kara Simone McGladdery, and was very proud of her accomplishments in Naturbahn Luge. He worked tirelessly at Lucy Hill in Negaunee, building ice tracks, track walls, and traveled with her to competitions, earning his International Judges (FIL) license. Guy also volunteered with the Negaunee Township Fire Department for 27 years, acting in many capacities, including EMT and Assistant Fire Chief. As a member of the NTFD Running Team you could always hear his laugh and see his good nature sportsmanship. Guy truly loved his department.

His start as a real estate broker led him to a profession as a state licensed title agent, opening Great Northern Title & Abstract in 1983, working there with his wife and staff until his retirement. He was grateful for the staff, friends and professionals who made his life richer. Guy was an avid golfer and member of Wawonowin Golf Course serving on the board and leagues, including many, many 19th holes. He was a proud member of the Richard M. Jopling American Legion Post 44 for 50 continuous years. Guy loved to travel, visiting over 40 countries and islands with friends and family. All knew him by his infectious smile and bold heartfelt laugh which will be forever missed.

Guy is survived by his wife, Dawn; daughter, Kara (Jake Baron); sister, Michelle (James) Zdrojewski-Walmsley; brother, Craig (Donna) Thompson; brother-in-law, William A. (Marsha Ryker) Karas II; grandchildren, Jocelyn, Alexandra, Ethan and Marcus Hildinger; former son-in-law, Steven Hildinger; and also leaving behind many loved and cherished nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Family will greet relatives and friends on Friday, November 8, 2024 at Canale-Tonella Funeral Home from 12 until 2 p.m. The Negaunee Township Fire Department will provide an honor guard.

A memorial service will be held in the funeral home at 2 p.m. with William A. Karas II officiating. Military honors will be provided by the U.S. Army and American Legion Post 44.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Guy’s memory to the U.P. Luge Association of Negaunee or Bay Cliff Health Camp of Big Bay, MI.

Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting Guy’s family where memories and condolences may be shared at canalefuneral.com.