Gary Lawrence Bautell passed away unexpectantly, at age 80, on November 22, 2022 in Wiesbaden, Germany. Gary was born in Bay City and grew up in Gladwin. Drafted into the military shortly after graduating from Gladwin High School, he was soon promoted to service on American Forces Network radio broadcasting. For 60 years, his talent as a newsman, and his programing of American music, made him a recognizable voice throughout Europe, becoming identified as, “The Voice of AFN”.
Gary was born on May 31, 1942 the first of nine children to Herman and Barbara Bautell. Gary was predeceased by his parents; his first wife, Eva Von Holstien, and his sister, Barbara Rhines. He is survived by his wife, Annette Makitende-Bautell; daughters, Suzy and Diana; son, Michael; as well as his siblings, Kathrine Feeley, Laura McGuire, Jean Shephard, Audrey Peters, Raymond Bautell, Anna Vitali and Carol Kibbey.
A memorial gathering is being held in the conference room at Gladwin’s Rivertown Inn on Saturday, April 1. Lunch will be served at 1 p.m. The family invites friends and neighbors from Gary’s past to come and share our lunch and memories.