Not every barn is just a barn and not every farmer is just a farmer. If you’ve ever been on the back roads in Sylvan Township, Osceola County, MI you have most likely seen the big red barn with DENSLOW on the roof. It’s a bit iconic and it is the safe haven for the livestock on that farm. The farmer who lived there, was born and raised there. His family tilled, planted and harvested the fields. He learned how to be a farmer. He raised dairy and beef cattle and was blessed to be able to take his last breath in the house of his birth. Gerald A. Denslow passed away on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 with the satisfaction of knowing how much 5 generations have loved and will continue to love the farm and the heritage of the Denslow Barn. Mr. Denslow was 80.

Gerald was born on November 21, 1945 to Elgin and Dorothy (Blake) Denslow. He graduated from Evart High School in 1964 and shortly after entered the United States Army. In 1967 Gerald was honorably discharged in St. Louis, MO and made his way home.

With Gerald everything had its place. He was a well structured man who enjoyed hunting, fishing, riding his ATV and tractor pulls. Throughout his tenure the pulls have significantly changed from going from the field to the track. He passed his knowledge and interest of pulling onto his nephew and they enjoyed doing it together.

Gerald is survived by: his brother, Gaylord (Donna) Denslow; his sister, Shirley Woodring; brother-in-law, Walter Freese and many many nieces, nephews & great and great great nieces and nephews, extended family and friends. You can’t be a farmer without liking animals. He had special animal companions cows, a bird, dogs and later in life his house cats.

Gerald was preceded in death by: his sister, Joyce Freese; four nephews, and his parents.

It is with heartfelt gratitude that we say thank you to the Council on Aging and Hospice of Michigan for their assistance in making it possible for Gerald to spend his last days at home. Memorial contributions in his name can be made to the Marion Fair.

A celebration of life is being planned for August 23, 2026 at 1:00 when he will be laid to rest at Sylvan Township Cemetery. There will be a lunch following at the farm. Cremation has taken place through the Corey Funeral Home in Evart. Condolences can be left online at www.coreyfuneralhome.com