Garth Alan Ganka

Garth A. Ganka, 88, of Burlington and formerly of Mt. Pleasant, passed away on Monday, March 17, 2025, at the West Point Care Center.

 Garth was born on February 17, 1937, in Chicago, Illinois the son of Alan and Muriel (Patterson) Ganka.  Following his graduation from high school he joined the United States Air Force. He was part of the military police and was stationed in North Africa.  After his honorable discharge he was united in marriage to Patricia Woodworth, and from this union Bradley, Lisa, Julie and Charles were born.  Garth worked at the Mt. Pleasant Correctional Facility for 24 years.  On July 5, 1986, he was united in marriage to Katherine Bloomer-Heinzel.  He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, horseback riding and waterskiing.  For a number of years he rode in the Henry County High Riders and later was part of their support team.  He was a member of the New London Country Club.  Garth enjoyed visiting with anyone and always had a smile on his face. 

 Those thankful for being a part of his life include his wife Kathy, his son Bradley (Bernice) Ganka, numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren,  his brother, Lance (Linda) Ganka, his sisters, Jill (Gerald) Clay, Candice (Dan) Cookes, his stepchildren, Rick (Robbie) Heinzel and Nanette Almendinger and several nieces and nephews.

 He was preceded in death by his parents, two daughters, Lisa Ganka and Julie Lynn Heusel, one son, Charles W. Ganka and one sister, Darcy Reverend.

 A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, March 21, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Murphy Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant.  Burial will follow with full military honors in the Oakland Mills Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 10 until service time on Friday at the Murphy Funeral Home.  Memorials may be directed to All God’s Creatures in his memory.

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