- Date Of Birth: April 22, 1942
- Date Of Death: December 15, 2021
- State: Indiana
Garry Charles Linn, 79, passed away peacefully in his home on Dec 15, 2021, holding the hand of his beloved wife, Juanita. He was physically strong and particularly stubborn, but absolutely pliable when it came to his family and his dogs. We will miss his goofy jokes, gentle teasing, and easy smile.
Garry was born in Valparaiso, Indiana to Delmar and Helen Linn. He graduated from East Gary Edison High School, where his love of sport blossomed as a multi-sport athlete. He holds a bachelors degree from Purdue University and a masters degree from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.
At Purdue, he met the woman he liked to call his first wife. Garry and Juanita married in August 1966, celebrated with cake and punch in the church basement, and recently celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary. Intensely loyal in all things, Garry was a dedicated fan of Purdue athletics and a long-suffering fan of the Chicago Cubs. When his health allowed, he personally attended many seasons of Purdue football and basketball, along with frequent sitings in the live audience at the Purdue coaches’ radio shows.
Garry worked many years in the Purdue Central Machine Shop, designing special projects with professors and organizations all over campus from forceps to hold a celery seed to a machine that generated a tornado. He was a skilled woodworker and leaves behind many beautiful and functional treasures that will be enjoyed for generations.
Although his health sometimes limited his activities, Garry was rarely idle. For many years he played wheelchair basketball and ran 5k and 10k road races in a wheelchair of his own design, long before the lightweight alloys that are used today. When his pace slowed ever so slightly, he trekked around the region supporting the teams and activities of his children and showing one of his many dogs in Obedience competitions.
Passionate about his family, Garry is survived by his wife Juanita, son Del, and daughter Carrie (Joe Brink), and four grandchildren. As an only child, many of Garry’s cousins were like siblings to him, and the next family reunion will not be quite the same without his booming voice, corny jokes, and extensive research on family history.
In accordance with his wishes, the family will host a celebration of Garry’s life at a later date.
