A local legend hits a major milestone

by Mary Jo David

The headline may have you thinking this story is about Detroit Tigers legend Miguel Cabrera (aka: Miggy) who also retired this week. But let’s reel it in a little closer to home, specifically, to Gregory, Mich., where our own local legend, Gordie Kunzelman, has locked the doors of Gordie’s Power Equipment one last time. Gordie opened his shop in 2006. Since then, customers have come from nearby as well as farther afield—like Hartland and Eaton Rapids—to purchase equipment and small engine repairs from Gordie and his crew. For years, the shop has also served as the coffee-hour hangout, most mornings from 8:00 to 9:00, as locals have gathered to solve the all the world’s problems—and then some!

Gordie’s Power Equipment is now closed to the public. Gordie will spend the month of October cleaning, sorting and moving inventory from the shop. If you haven’t had a chance to wish Gordie well in his retirement, you can join in a send-off at Gordie’s Retirement Open House on Sunday, October 29, at 2:00 p.m. on Main Street in Gregory.

Gordie Kunzelman (right) and George Coppernoll Jr., who has worked for Gordie since 2009, locked the door to Gordie’s Power Equipment as it officially closed to customers on Saturday, September 30, 2023. Photo credit: Gary Hicks

Gordie opened his shop in 2006. It has been a fixture in the community for those needing power equipment and small engine repairs. Photo credit: Clyde Whitaker

Linda Sanders of Gregory stops by to wish Gordie well on the last day his shop was open to the public. Sanders has many fond memories of working with Gordie at the old Howlett Hardware in Gregory before Gordie opened his own shop in 2006. Photo credit: Gary Hicks