Return to Station Listings
|
Gregory Allen Flemming
Born: 6/24/1952
Died: 7/1/2026
Age: 74
Community: Flint, MI
|
Gregory Allen Flemming, age 74, of Flint, Michigan, passed away peacefully in the early morning of Wednesday, July 1, 2026, surrounded by his family. Strengthened by his Catholic faith, he was fortified by the sacraments of Holy Mother Church in his final hours before returning home to the Lord.
Gregory was born on June 24th, 1952, in Aberdeen, South Dakota to the late John and Suzanne Flemming. As a young boy, his family moved to Minot, North Dakota, before finally settling in Flint, Michigan in 1956, where he would spend the rest of his life. He graduated from Southwestern Classical Academy in 1970 and went on to build a career with computers, where he worked at a couple of locations in Flint and Detroit before retiring in 1999. He was a devoted parishioner of Holy Redeemer in Burton, Michigan.
Gregory and his wife, Carolyn, were first connected through her aunt and became pen pals, a correspondence that blossomed into love. They were married civilly in 1994, and Carolyn moved to Flint in 1995, into the home they would share for the rest of his life. They were married in the church in 1996, and in 2001 they welcomed their son, Justin.
For the majority of Gregory's life, he lived with muscular dystrophy, which slowly affected his mobility from a young age. First requiring a cane, then a second, before leaving him bedbound for his final seven years. Though it changed how he moved through the world, it never changed who he was; a husband, a father, a son of God. His faith and his devotion remained constant to the end. He rarely complained, especially about being bedbound. Instead, he enjoyed the simple things in life and was kind to all he met. Those who knew him admired the resilience and patience with which he carried it. Through those years, the family was thankful to be able to keep him at home and care for him, just as he wished.
He enjoyed being outside and gardening, planting many flowers and bushes in the front of the house and bringing in fresh strawberries from the backyard. He loved mowing the lawn, doing yard work, and getting the backyard ready to have friends over for barbecues. He enjoyed throwing a frisbee with his son in the front lawn, and that is where Justin gets his frisbee skills from. Even a trip to the grocery store was something he savored, choosing to walk the aisles himself even when it took far longer than taking an electric cart. When offered one, he would always say, "It's my exercise!" When he became bedbound, he found joy in the simple things: watching movies, drawing on his paper pad, and taking pictures with anyone who came to see him. He would watch the same films and shows again and again, like Home Alone and M*A*S*H. And no matter who it was, if a new person walked through his door, he would always ask for a picture with them.
In his final years, the family was blessed by the loving care of Kim Greenen, his devoted aide, who was by his side for three years. Her kindness and dedication were a tremendous gift to Gregory and his family, and she was with him as he passed, alongside his wife and son. Thank you, Kim, for your service.
He was also grateful for the faithful friendship of Rick Pifer, who visited him often and remained a good and steady friend throughout his final years.
He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Carolyn Apale Flemming; his son, Justin Apale Flemming; and his sister, Gail Hamp (Douglas Hamp) of Sierra Vista, Arizona. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Suzanne (Fohr) Flemming, and his older brother, Randall Flemming. He was deeply loved, and he will be profoundly missed.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 W. Hill Rd., Flint, MI 48507, from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A Rosary service led by Deacon Bill Turner will start at 7:00 p.m. Food will be provided.
The funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, July 10th, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 1227 E. Bristol Rd., Burton, MI 48529, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. and the Mass at 11:00 a.m., Fr. Shea Kettner presiding. A luncheon will follow in the Family Life Center.
Family and friends wishing to send flowers may have them delivered to Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 W. Hill Rd., Flint, MI 48507, by 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 9th
Eternal rest grant unto him, o Lord.
Your condolences may be shared with the family at swartzfuneralhomeinc.com
|
Copyright © 2026 Direct Obits, LLC
| Visitation |
| Date: |
|
7/9/2026 |
| Time: |
|
1:00 PM |
| Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 W. Hill Rd., Flint, MI 48507, from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A Rosary service led by Deacon Bill Turner will start at 7:00 p.m. Food will be provided. |
|
|
| Funeral Service |
| Date: |
|
7/10/2026 |
| Time: |
|
11:00 AM |
| |
| Location: |
|
Holy Redeemer Catholic Church
1227 East Bristol Road
Burton, MI 48529Get a Map to this location...
|
| Official: |
|
Father Shea Kettner |
|
Return to Station Listings
|
|
