Gary Lee Vlcko, 78, a longtime Sedro-Woolley resident, passed away on October 16, 2017 at HomePlace in Burlington.

Gary was born on February 7, 1939 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa the son of Steven & Genevieve (Josifek) Vlcko.  He was raised and attained his education in Cedar Rapids.

In 1957 Gary enlisted into the U.S. Air Force, serving his country for four years. During his enlistment and while stationed at McCord AFB near Spokane, he met Carol Jean Close;  they were married on April 15, 1961, just 45 days after his discharge.

Gary & Jean made their home in Clear Lake and Sedro-Woolley wher

e they raised their family, and Gary worked as a machinist for Skagit Steel/Bendix for over 30 years and then as a machinist for private contractors until his retirement in 2001.

Gary was an avid poker player, traveling numerous times to Reno & Vegas to play in tournaments and he enjoyed fishing, meteorology, & golf. He never lost his sense of humor and was quick with a joke, even when faced with Alzheimer’s/Dementia later in life.

Gary is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Jodie & Ty Ramsey and grandchildren, Nick & Allison Ramsey all of Burlington; brother, Steven Vlcko of Cedar Rapids, IA; sisters, Marianne Baird of Phoenix, AZ, Judy Amsler of Cedar Rapids, IA, Janice Thompson of Mesquite, NV and Elizabeth Selk of St. Louis, MI; brother and sister-in-law, Charlie & Jane Cimoch of Clear Lake; and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Steven in 1994 and wife Jean in 2003.

The family wishes to thank the staff of HomePlace and Hospice of the Northwest for all their care and support.  In honor of Gary memorials are suggested to Alzheimer’s Research.

A Graveside Inurnment service will be held at the Sedro-Woolley Union Cemetery on Monday, October 23, 2017 at 1:00 P.M. with Pastor Wendy Tingley officiating.  Cremation and arrangements are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.