Gary Dorvinen
The dust settled and the sun set over the Sonoran Desert as the family of Gary William Dorvinen grieved the loss of their beloved husband and father. Gary went home to be with the Lord on January 12, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona, at the age of 70, just days before his birthday. Though cancer was cruel to him, he experienced the Lord’s miracles and mercies every step of the way. Even in his suffering, he fought a righteous and courageous battle while displaying exceptional kindness and graciousness. He led with conviction and compassion, leaving shoes which cannot be filled but footsteps that can be followed.
Throughout Gary’s life, he set the bar high in doing what was right and walking the straight and narrow path. His discipline, generosity and character were inspirational. He was passionate about his faith in the Lord, teaching and loving his family and serving and honoring his country.
His kindness was unmatched and his leadership, even up until his last breath, was a gift. His tender care of his family’s lives and hearts will forever be remembered until they meet again in glory. “Well done, good and faithful servant; You were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.” Matthew 25:21.
Gary was a connoisseur of fine things and enjoyed the journey of learning. In the early morning sun, he could often be found sitting in his chair reading the Bible or the Wall Street Journal while sipping a European coffee or Asian tea. He was a master in the art of conversation, a wise teacher of Biblical history and a political aficionado. His love, guidance and humor will never be forgotten.
Gary was born on January 25, 1955 in Laurium, Michigan, to William Warren Dorvinen and Darlene May (Nygard) Dorvinen. He was raised in Ontonagon, Michigan on the shores of Lake Superior and attended the Ontonagon Area Schools. He went on to serve his country in the United States Marine Corps, stationed at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, California, Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina, and in Okinawa, Japan. During Gary’s service, he earned the battalion sharpshooter, rifle shooting badge of honor, for his outstanding performance and duty. After his service with an honorable discharge, Gary studied the Bible at North Central University and he also furthered his higher education by earning an Associate’s Degree of Applied Science in Electrical, Construction and Maintenance from Dunwoody College of Technology in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Gary met his beloved wife of 43 years, Martha Jane (Paff) Dorvinen while attending church and soon after married on June 20, 1982 in Prior Lake, Minnesota. They went on to have two daughters and raised them in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula where they experienced decades of adventures together.
Gary was a Journeyman Electrician, had a passion for logging and was a previous volunteer in maintenance and construction for Youth With A Mission. He was most recently employed at GS Engineering in Houghton, Michigan. In their retirement, Gary and Martha moved to Arizona in 2013 and their family enjoyed hiking and exploring the grand desert landscape throughout the state together.
Gary was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, William and Hilja (Wayrynen) Dorvinen previously of Houghton, MI, his maternal grandparents, Arthur and Aileen (Baasi) Nygard previously of Ontonagon, MI, his parents, William and Darlene (Nygard) Dorvinen previously of Ontonagon, MI, his younger sister, Debra “Debbie” (Dorvinen) Myrblom previously of Ontonagon, MI, in-laws John and LuCretia (Huls) Paff previously of Thorp, WI and many dear cousins and friends.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Martha Dorvinen of Phoenix, Arizona and his daughters, Jessica Dorvinen and Joy Dorvinen of Phoenix, Arizona, his sister, Susan “Susie” Dorvinen of Sierra Vista, Arizona as well as many cousins, nephews, nieces and in-laws.
A private family farewell with Marine Corps Military Honors was held on Gary’s birthday, January 25, 2026 with arrangements entrusted to the Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home in Phoenix, Arizona. A memorial headstone will be placed in his honor at the Riverside Cemetery in Ontonagon, Michigan.
The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the Veteran’s Administration of Phoenix, Arizona, Eternity Hospice of Phoenix, Arizona and the Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home of Phoenix, Arizona for their invaluable care and support.