Gary M. Linder, age 77 of Wolcottville and formerly a longtime resident of Elwood, passed away on Sunday, May 19, 2019 at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne following a brief illness.  He was born January 31, 1942 in Portland, the son of William and Leona (Swank) Linder.  He was a 1960 graduate of Portland High School, and later obtained two Masters Degrees from Ball State College in Muncie.  Gary married Vicki Ann Sithen on March 8, 1964 and they were blessed with 55 years of marriage together.  Gary retired in July of 2000 from Elwood Community School Corporation where he worked at John H. Hinds Vocational School for over 29 years.  He was a teacher of business; supervised the D.E.C.A. program; and later became the Director of the Vocational School at retirement.  He truly had a passion for teaching and helping students.  Prior to working at the John H. Hinds Career Center, Gary worked in management at J.C. Penny for 5 years.  He and his wife Vicki also owned and operated Linder's Dairy Store in Elwood for 18 years on Main Street and owned LuAu's convenience store across from the swimming pool on North 19 ^th Street for several years.

Gary had a strong faith in the Lord and was a member of the Kendalville Presbyterian Church where he was active in bible studies.  He was also a former member of the First Presbyterian Church in Elwood and the Covenant Presbyterian Church in Arizona.  Gary was a former member and past president of the Elwood Optimist Club since the 1970's; former member and president of the I.D.E.A from 1974 to 1975; and a member of the Distributive Education Clubs of America.  He truly enjoyed living at his lake home on Pretty Lake, and never missed an opportunity to be outdoors or making a daily campfire.  He and Vicki also enjoyed spending winters at their home in Arizona for many years.  Gary enjoyed traveling, gardening, and woodworking.  More than anything, he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

Gary's family includes his wife, Vicki Ann Linder of Wolcottville; 3 children, Amy (husband Tom) Whisler of Alexandria, Mike (wife Pranee) Linder of Largo, FL, and Jenny (husband Jeff) Reed of Kokomo; brother, Bill (wife Sue) Linder, Jr. of Columbus; 5 grandchildren; 4 step-grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.  Gary was preceded in death by his parents and 2 sisters, Delores Willman and Ann King.

A funeral service celebrating Gary's life will be conducted at 1:00 pm on Saturday, May 25, 2019 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Pastor Jim Mertz and Pastor Brian Walter officiating.  Burial will follow in Forrestville Cemetery in rural Summitville.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 3:00 to 7:00 pm on Friday, May 24, 2019 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions are suggested to the Kendalville Presbyterian Church through the funeral home.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at copherfeslermay.com.