Martin Orla "Orly" Gilcher

Martin Orla "Orly" Gilcher of Richland, MI

Martin, age 64, died peacefully with his loving family at his side, Monday afternoon, November 27, 2017 following a six month illness.

Martin, the son of Gaylen H. and Emma E. (Torrey) Gilcher was born in Battle Creek, MI on July 13, 1953; was a lifetime area resident and a 1971 graduate of Gull Lake High School. He was an auto mechanic for Honda Dealerships in Battle Creek, Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, Sisters of St Joseph and Peerless Water Treatment. Martin was a member of the Sons of the American Legion Post # 484, Hickory Corners, MI. He was an avid hunter and fisherman; enjoyed drag racing and snowmobiling; restoring old cars; staying at and working on his cabin and was an excellent woodworker.

Martin was united in marriage to the former, Susan F. Smitter in Hastings, MI on September 19, 1987. Surviving is his wife of 30 years, Sue; his "Faithful Companion," Chico, the dog; his sister, Cheryl J. (Mark) Robinson of Battle Creek; his sister-in-law, Carol Gilcher of Battle Creek; his mother-in-law, Theresa N. Smitter of Grand Rapids and several fantastic nieces and nephews. Martin was preceded in death by his parents; his sister and her husband, Sherry and Joe Finkbeiner and his brother, Gill D. Gilcher.

The Memorial Service to celebrate Orly's life will be held on Saturday, December 2nd at 1:00 p.m. at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel, 9170 East D Avenue (M-89), with Rev. Scott Magnuson of Irons, MI, officiating. Orly's family will greet friends on Saturday at the funeral home from 11:00 a.m. until service time. Family and friends will continue Orly's life celebration with a time of fellowship and a luncheon at the American Legion Post # 484, 3801 W. Hickory Road, Hickory Corners, MI 49060. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Orly's honor may be directed to the Kalamazoo Humane Society, 4239 S. Westnedge Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49008.