Obituary Category: Mayville

Robert R. Giese passed away on his 87th birthday on Sunday June 28, 2026, at Waupun Christian Homestead.

Per his wishes, no formal service will be held for Robert.

Robert was born on June 28, 1939, in the town of Herman to Walter and Verona (Bartelt) Giese. He graduated from Mayville High School in 1957. He married Margaret Steger on October 20, 1959, at St. Theresa Catholic Church.

He worked at Mayville Limestone for 44 years, retiring in 2001.

Bob lived in Theresa most of his life, moving to Mayville in 2007 after he and his wife retired.

Bob enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing baseball (in his younger days), playing Sheepshead and going to the casino. He enjoyed watching all sports and enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Robert is survived by his three daughters: Christine (Dave Johnson) Giese, Deborah (Robert) Radke, and Renee (John Fischer) Bonack; his grandchildren Tanya (Brian) Wallace, Amanda (Dan Causier) Radke, and Matthew Bonack; his great grandchildren Natalie Wallace, Anna Wallace, Lydia Wallace, Ada Causier, Roux Causier, and Heath Causier; his brother Duane “Gus” Giese; and many other relatives, nieces and nephews, and friends.

Robert is preceded in death by his wife Margaret Giese on January 11, 2026; his parents; his siblings Ralph Giese, Ronald Giese and Rodney Giese; his sisters-in-laws Rosemary Giese, Estella Giese, Deanna Giese, Rita Giese, Elaine Steger and Mary Hechimovich; his brothers-in-laws Raymond Steger, Paul Steger and Tom Hechimovich.

The family would like to thank Heather and all the staff at Waupun Christian Homestead for the wonderful care that Dad received while he was there. He loved the caregivers; they could always make him smile. We would also like to thank St. Croix Hospice for the extra special care and comfort he received from Denice, Brie, and Jenna.

Christie Welak, age 63, of Mayville, passed away at her home on Sunday, June 28, 2026.

A memorial gathering for Christine will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026, from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. at the Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville.

Christine was born on August 18, 1962. She was a graduate of Lomira High School.

Christine found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. She cherished her privacy and the peace and quiet that allowed her to enjoy the world at her own pace. On warm days, she could often be found soaking up the sunshine, listening to the songs of birds, and finding comfort in nature’s calm.

Her greatest passion was fostering Maine Coon cats. She opened her home and her heart to many cats in need, providing them with safety, patience, and unconditional love until they found their forever homes. Her foster cats meant the world to her, and the care she gave them reflected the depth of her compassion. Through them, Christine made a lasting difference in many lives—both feline and human.

Christine will be remembered for her quiet spirit, her generous heart, and the gentle way she cared for the creatures who depended on her. Those who knew her will remember her love of peaceful moments, warm sunshine, and the contentment she found in the company of the cats she adored.

Though she preferred a life away from the spotlight, the kindness she shared will continue to live on in the many lives she touched. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
Christine is survived by her brother Jeff (Marsha Braun) Schaus as well as other relatives and cherished friends.

Christine is preceded in death by her parents and the love of her life Randy Fitzsimmons.

Robert “Bob” Rose, age 59, of Waupun, passed away on Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison.

A Funeral Service for Bob will take place on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church in Mayville with Rev. Traci Maass officiating. A visitation for Bob will be held at church on Sunday, June 28, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service at 2:00 p.m.

Bob was born on June 9, 1967, the son of Terrance and Diane Senda, and was later adopted by Larry and Lois (Kebler) Rose. He was a proud graduate of Markesan High School. On July 12, 1997, Bob married the love of his life, Brenda Walters. Their son, Tyler, completed their perfect little family.

A faithful member of St. Paul’s Church, Bob lived his life guided by faith, humility, and service to others. He was also a dedicated member of the Dodge County Emergency Response Team (DCERT), where he proudly volunteered his time and talents. Bob especially enjoyed installing emergency lighting on DCERT vehicles, often jokingly referring to himself as an “Emergency Light Technician.” His dedication to helping his community was evident in everything he did.

Bob found great joy in the outdoors. He loved hunting and fishing and treasured the countless hours spent out in nature. Some of his happiest moments were shared with his beloved wife, Brenda, exploring the beauty of the Horicon Marsh together. Whether on the water, in the woods, or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings, Bob felt most at home in nature.

A gifted woodworker and avid gunsmith, Bob had a talent for working with his hands and creating things with care and precision. He took great pride in passing his knowledge and skills on to his son, Tyler, teaching him everything he knew and creating a bond that will endure forever.

At home, Bob enjoyed relaxing with a good movie or classic western. These quiet moments were often shared with his faithful cat, Feather, who loved nothing more than curling up on Bob’s chest while they watched together. Feather misses his companion immensely, just as all who knew Bob miss his steady presence and gentle heart.

Bob’s kindness was legendary among family, friends, neighbors, and strangers alike. He would truly give you the shirt off his back. More often than not, he was already offering a helping hand before anyone even had to ask. He saw people in need and simply stepped in to help. Bob was, at his core, a true helper.

Family has always meant more than biology to Bob and Brenda. They lovingly embraced Jordan, Tyler’s childhood best friend, as their “adoptive son” after years of watching him grow up alongside Tyler. As time passed, Jordan became an integral part of the family and was loved just like a second son. Bob also found immense joy in being a grandfather, delighting in every opportunity to play with Jordan’s children, Lincoln and Evelyn. Whether sharing laughter, playing games, or simply spending quality time together, Bob treasured the special bond he had with his grandchildren and the memories they created as a family.

His legacy lives on through the family he loved, the friends he cherished, the community he served, and the countless lives he touched through his generosity and compassion. Though he will be deeply missed, the example he set through his life of service, love, and selflessness will never be forgotten. Bob was the kind of person who made the world a better place simply by being in it.

Even in passing, Bob continued helping others. He gave the ultimate gift by becoming an organ donor.

Bob is survived by his loving wife Brenda Rose; his son Tyler Rose; his fur baby Feather; his sisters Cindy (Randall) Crook of Markesan, Cheryl Kracht of Markesan, Candy (Terry) Yanda of Manitowoc, Lynda Miller of Twin Lakes, Kristine (Donald) Pellmann of Burlington, and Jennifer (Dave Pearson) Lampton of Waupaca; his “adoptive son” Jordan (Sienna) Riel; and Jordan’s children Lincoln and Evelyn Riel; as well as nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents Lois and Larry Rose; biological parents Terrance Senda and Diane Rateike; his brother Timothy Lampton; and his brother-in-law Dewey Kracht.

It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of Donald (Don) Hillard of Mayville, Wisconsin. Don passed away on May 19, 2026, at the age of 83, following a stroke and brief hospitalization during a visit to Phoenix, Arizona, with his daughters by his side.

A Celebration of Don’s life will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville. Following the memorial gathering, Military Honors will be conducted by the Mayville American Legion Post # 69.

Born May 13, 1943, in Denver, Colorado, Don attended Western State University in Gunnison on a skiing scholarship, where he served on the ski patrol. He later served in the United States Army as an aircraft mechanic in Heidelberg, Germany. Don’s career included work as a draftsman and engineer with Boeing Corporation in Seattle, Washington and then Elgar Corporation in San Diego, California, where he contributed to early uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems among other significant tools and technology. He spent nearly 30 years as a design engineer with Gleason Reel in Mayville, Wisconsin.

Don was an avid reader, known for his sharp wit, quick sense of humor, and remarkable knowledge of history and trivia. He also had a natural artistic talent, expressed through his drafting work and other creative pursuits. He was active in the American Legion Honor Guard, the Dodge County Police & Fire Commission, and the Marais Players, where he formed many lasting friendships. He cherished time spent in Mission and Ocean Beach, California, then raising a family in Mayville, WI, and later enjoyed traveling, motorcycling, and laughing with his beloved partner of 25 years, Jane Cole.

He is survived by his partner, Jane Cole; his former wife, Lynette (née Miller) Hillard; his daughters, Kelly Marie (Michael) Lopez-Hillard and Kerry Dee (Sean) Leary-Hillard; his brother, Jim (Debbie) Bottoms; Jane’s children, Brian Hefter, Sara (Theron) Bashaw, and Michael (Toni) Hefter; and his grandchildren, Michael and Ty Bashaw and Aberdeen, Elle, and Norah Leary. He is also survived by his in-laws, Jennifer (Bruce) Miller-McPhee, David (Sheryl) Brethorst, Ron (Karen) Cole, and Barb Cole; and his nieces and nephews, Tanner (Solare) Brethorst, Jena (Jarrod) Kennedy, and Andrew Bottoms; and many close friends. He will be missed enormously.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Don will remain in our hearts forever.

Scott W. Muche, age 62, of Mayville passed away on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.

A Memorial Service for Scott will take place on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at the Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville, with Rev. Dr. Mark G. Cutler officiating. A visitation for Scott will be held at the Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 12:00 p.m.

Scott was born on July 27, 1963, in Beaver Dam to Glenn and Shirley (Walters) Muche. Scott enjoyed visiting the Greenhead, hunting and fishing. He worked at Quad Graphics of Lomira for 33 years and Metalcraft of Mayville for 6 years. After retirement, he spent his days at the marsh fishing, hunting, and spending time with his dog. He was a member of St. Johns church in Mayville.

Scott is survived by his brother Bruce (Kindra) Muche, brother-in-law Richard Becker, children: Nicholas (Stefanie) Muche of Eagle River, Alaska; Mariah (Keith) Hovland of Glendale; Kirsten (Nick) Pilsner of Mayville and Samantha Muche of Minneapolis; six grandchildren, Berkeley, Parker, Nash, Benji, Hattie and Tessa; and other dear relatives and friends

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Cheri Becker.

Scott will be remembered for his love of the outdoors and his dedication to his work. Whether hunting, fishing or simply enjoying a quiet day at the marsh, he found peace and joy in nature. His presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the family can be made by scanning the QR code in the condolence area of Scott’s Obituary page. To scan the QR Code, simply open the camera on your phone, point at the QR code, and a link will show. This code will take you to Scott’s GoFundMe page to make the donation.

Jeanne Marie Czoschke, age 91, passed away on Tuesday, April 7th, 2026.

Jeanne was born on September 10th, 1934, in Horicon, WI to Elmer & Clara Bessie. On January 23, 1954 Jeanne was united in marriage to Herb Czoschke, Jr.
Jeanne was a faithful member of St. Lukes Lutheran Church in Knowles, WI.

Jeanne was a dedicated bookkeeper for Czoschke Hardware that she and Herbie owned and operated for many years. Jeanne found great joy in her membership in a doll club, a hobby she cherished deeply.

She is lovingly survived by her daughter Shannon (Dale) Schaefer, Tricia Souder (Doug Schwinn); Tiffany (Brian) Knapp, Aiden and Kylin. She is also survived by her daughter Shelley (Steve) Bowe, Dr. Jenny Brault (Aaron), Sawyer and Isabelle; Katie (Jack) Engleman, Emma and Sophia; and Kelly (Nathan) Borman, Madelyn and Thomas.

Jeanne was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Herbert Czoschke Jr.

Private funeral services will be held at her request.

Jeanne will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her strong faith and the quiet kindness she extended to those around her.

Dennis Walter Persha, age 87, passed away on Monday, April 6, 2026, at the Aurora Medical Center in Grafton.

A memorial gathering for Dennis will be held on Thursday, April 16, 2026, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Koepsell Funeral Home in Mayville.

Dennis was born on February 8, 1939, to Walter and Gertrude (Pagel) Persha in Horicon, Wisconsin. He went on to graduate from Horicon High School. On September 30, 1961, Dennis married the love of his life, Lynn E Dornfeldt. Together, they raised their two daughters, Stacey and Stephanie.

Dennis dedicated his life to helping others. He served as the Chief of Police for the Township of Hustisford for 17 years. Before his retirement, he worked as a driver for Dodge Concrete.
During his free time. Dennis enjoyed spending as much time as he could outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, enjoyed working in his garden and above all, loved driving his big blue tractor. He also enjoyed visiting casinos and spending time with his friends and family. He will be remembered for his caring heart and dedication to those he loved.

Dennis is survived by his daughters: Stacey Persha and Stephanie (Lee) Bonack; his sister Sandra Thomas; grandchildren: Tenley Schwartz, Jessica (Ethan) Hass, Matt Bonack, and Chelsey Ripple; and great-grandchildren: Mason Ripple and Loretta Hass. Dennis will also be missed by other dear family and friends.

Dennis was preceded in death by his loving wife Lynn in 2023; his parents Walter and Gertrude Persha; his sister Ramona; his nephew Dale Williams; and his brother-in-law Mike Thomas.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Prairie Ridge Assisted Living for the outstanding care they took of Dennis for the past three years.

Stanley Clarence Marx, age 80, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2026, in West Bend, Wisconsin.

A Memorial Service for Stan will take place on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church with Rev. Traci Maass officiating. A visitation for Stan will take place on Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 12:00 p.m. Military honors will be conducted by the Mayville American Legion Post #69. Inurnment will be at Graceland Cemetery in Mayville.

Stan was born on April 14, 1945, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, son of Milan and Rosalie (Lochrer) Marx and his life’s journey took him far and wide — from the fields of Fort Benning to the hills of West Point — and back home to Mayville, Wisconsin.

Stan’s greatest story began in junior high, after his family moved from Milwaukee to Mayville. There, on a school bus to a basketball game, an eighth-grade boy spotted a seventh-grade girl named Kay Ann Zimmermann, and the two fell in love young and stayed that way. Stan and Kay were married on November 16, 1968, in Mayville, and built a life together that spanned more than 56 devoted years. Kay preceded him in death, and there is little doubt that Stan has found her again.

Stan is survived by his two daughters, Deborah (Chad) Thums of Madison, Wisconsin, and Michelle (Jason) Henry of Hartford, Wisconsin, and his beloved grandson, Nicholas Thums — who could always count on Papa to be in the stands, whenever he took the baseball field. Stan also leaves behind his sister, Suzanne (Randall) DeBlare of Green Bay, Wisconsin. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Kay, his infant son, John and his siblings Judith, Patricia, and John.

Stan enlisted in the United States Army in June 1964, and his military career was one of his greatest sources of pride. He reported to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri for basic training, where he was quickly recognized as one of the top trainees of his cycle. From there, he moved to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where he trained as an artillery field surveyor. As an airborne volunteer, he was sent to Fort Benning, Georgia, for jump school — because Stan was never one to shy away from a challenge. In April 1966, he was honored as Division Soldier of the Month for the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. That summer, he was selected to teach freshman and sophomore cadets at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York — a remarkable distinction. Stan was honorably discharged in May 1970, and he carried his service with quiet pride for the rest of his life.

After the Army, Stan built a second distinguished career in manufacturing. He joined Mayville Metal, starting as a draftsman and working his way up to master production scheduler over many years of dedication. Later in life, he brought his characteristic work ethic to Fleet Farm in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, where he worked in the plumbing and electrical sales department, and to Neuman Pools, also in Beaver Dam.

But if you really wanted to know Stan, you needed to see him on the water. An avid and passionate fisherman, he and Kay made their home for many wonderful years on Fox Lake, Wisconsin, where Stan logged countless hours fishing off the pier and drifting on the pontoon. In retirement, they built their dream home on Crystal Lane in Mayville, surrounded by the community where their love story had started decades before.

Stan and Kay loved to travel together — from weekends up in Minocqua to wintering in Estero, Florida, to any destination with a nearby casino. Camping was another cherished pastime, and some of Stan’s happiest hours were spent with family and friends gathered around a fire or at a picnic table, cards in hand. He loved a good sheepshead game, and the laughter those evenings brought were a hallmark of life with Stan. Stan was a devoted Wisconsin sports fan, proudly rooting for the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, and Wisconsin Badgers through good seasons and bad. And no matter how far the drive, he would load up the car to watch his grandson Nick play high school baseball — and in later years, he found a way to be there even from his living room, streaming every college game he could find.

Those who knew Stan knew him as a man of few words — quiet, steady, and composed. But get to know him well enough, and you’d discover his dry sense of humor, which had a habit of emerging at just the right moment. He had a gift for keeping a perfectly straight face, leaving you to wonder whether he was being serious or pulling your leg. Most of the time, the answer was a little of both.

Stanley C. Marx — soldier, husband, father, grandfather, fisherman, and friend.

He lived with purpose, loved with devotion, and left the world a quieter, funnier, better place.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Paul Church Roof Fund, https://www.stpaulmayville.org/giving

John Theodore Hoepner, age 86, of Theresa, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2026, in Harford, Wisconsin, surrounded by his loving family.

A Memorial Service for John will take place on Friday, March 6, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Mayville with Rev. Dr. Mark G. Cutler officiating. A visitation for John will be held at church on Friday, March 6, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 1:00 p.m. Following the service, military honors will be conducted by the Mayville American Legion Post #69. Inurnment will be at Union Cemetery in Theresa.

John—known to his friends and family as Jack—was born on January 20, 1940, in Horicon, Wisconsin, to Norbert and Florence (Ehlers) Hoepner. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, self-reliance, and more than a few well-traveled backroads across southeastern Wisconsin.

Jack proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1959 to 1963. Once a Marine, always a Marine—and that steady determination became a hallmark of the way he lived his life. If something was broken, Jack would fix it. Or at the very least, he’d make it “good enough,” which in Jack’s world usually meant it would hold strong for decades.

On January 29, 1966, he married the love of his life, Beverly Marie Greuel. Together they built a life grounded in faith, family, and hard work, sharing 60 wonderful years of marriage. Faith was an important part of Jack’s life, and he could be found every Sunday sitting beside Bev in their customary spot in the back row at St. John’s Church. In his later years, some of his favorite moments were the simplest ones—sitting with Bev on their porch, listening to the rain and sharing conversation, or going to the Tag together.

Jack was a devoted father to Mark (Sara) Hoepner of Shawnee, Kansas; Tracy (Rick) Shreve of Mocksville, North Carolina; Troy (Wendy) Hoepner of Lomira, Wisconsin; and Chad (Candice) Hoepner of Theresa, Wisconsin.

His pride multiplied with his grandchildren: Blue (Katie) Shreve, Cinnamon (Seth) Howard, Hawk (Mary) Shreve, Creek Shreve, Boone Shreve, and Daisy Shreve; Austin Hoepner and Hailey (Trace) Strahle; Ben Hoepner and Abby Hoepner; and Jade Aughinbaugh. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren Eastyn and Jackson Strahle, and Levi, Della, and Lorelai Shreve. Nothing brought Jack more joy than time spent with his family—whether at lively gatherings or in the quiet moments watching the youngest generation carry on the Hoepner spirit.

For nearly 30 years, Jack worked as a cable repair technician for Wisconsin Bell Telephone, later known as Ameritech. He took pride in his work and in the simple satisfaction of keeping people connected—often quite literally. True to form, there wasn’t much he couldn’t troubleshoot, repair, or improve with patience and a few well-chosen tools. Over the years he also finished many construction projects of all types, both at home and for his children and grandchildren, and there was always some new project just waiting to get started. He was a great teacher and gave his helpers plenty of opportunities to learn how to dig, cut, measure, hammer, and paint.

Jack loved the outdoors—working on the farm, cutting wood, wandering through the woods, and camping with friends. Annual family camping trips were a highlight of the year and an opportunity to teach outdoor skills and set up elaborate treasure hunts. A long Sunday drive was never just a drive; it was an exploration. He seemed to know every backroad and small town in southeastern Wisconsin (and to have a childhood home, farm, schoolhouse, or relative there) and was always ready to take the scenic route.

An avid reader, Jack somehow managed to read five books at once and keep every plot straight. He was also a faithful and lifelong fan of the Green Bay Packers, standing by them through the challenging seasons of the 1970s and 80s and celebrating wholeheartedly during the triumphant years of Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers. He rarely missed a game and considered that loyalty a matter of principle.

He also looked forward to his monthly poker games with his card group—afternoons filled with friendly competition, good stories, and plenty of laughter. Those gatherings were another reminder that while Jack was self-reliant, he deeply valued friendship and camaraderie.

Jack will be remembered as steady, capable, loyal, and loving—a man who showed his care through actions more than words. His family will think of him every time something needs fixing, a backroad beckons, a book is left open mid-chapter, the rain taps softly on a porch roof, or the Packers kick off on a Sunday afternoon.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents Norbert and Florence Hoepner, his brother Ken Hoepner, and his sisters Bernice Hoepner, Lucy Hoepner, and Marilyn Keller. He is survived by his sister Marlene Pamperin, his brother Jim Hoepner, and his wife, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Semper Fi, Jack. You were one of a kind, and you will be dearly missed.

Gary D. Schwandt, 83, passed away peacefully at 9:20 p.m. on Sunday, February 15, 2026, surrounded by compassionate care at Avina Nursing Home and under the devoted support of hospice.

A Memorial Service for Gary will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Mayville with Rev. Dr. Mark G. Cutler officiating. A visitation for Gary will take place at church on Friday, February 20, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service at 1:00 p.m. Inurnment will take place at a later date at the Rex Cemetery.

Gary was born on April 14, 1942, at St. Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, to Everett and Virginia (Derge) Schwandt. He grew up on the family farm near Iron Ridge, Wisconsin, alongside his three brothers—Michael, Pastor Richard, and Morry—where he learned the values of hard work, faith, and family that would guide his life. While in high school, Gary played baseball, football, basketball, and trumpet in band, showing from an early age his love for teamwork, community, and joy in all he did. He graduated from Hustisford High School in 1960 and went on to attend Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, earning his bachelor’s degree in Education. He later received his master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh.

On June 3, 1962, Gary married the love of his life, Sandra Groening, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Lebanon. They were blessed with more than 60 years of unconditional love and laughter. Together they shared two sons, Brian and Dave, and raised their boys to be strong of faith and love, just as Gary was.

Gary dedicated more than 50 years of his life to the Mayville Public School System, teaching junior high social studies and shaping generations of young people. For 34 of those years, he coached boys’ and girls’ basketball, football, and track. Over his coaching career, he led 39 basketball teams—14 girls’ teams and 25 boys’ teams—and spent seven years as a junior varsity boys’ basketball coach. He founded the junior high track program and the Saturday morning youth basketball league in Mayville, creating countless opportunities for children to grow not only in athletic ability, but in confidence, discipline, and character.

He also served 16 years as a bus driver and groundskeeper for the school district, often volunteering for the toughest routes—including field trips into the heart of Chicago and Milwaukee—always willing to step forward when something needed to be done.

Gary was a long-time coach of the St Paul Lutheran Church basketball team and faithfully taught Sunday school at St Paul Lutheran Church in Mayville. His greatest joy was helping young people develop to their fullest potential—academically, athletically, mentally, physically, and spiritually. His love for others was rooted in his deep love for the Lord. A humble and devoted servant-leader in the Mayville community, Gary followed in the footsteps of Jesus faithfully until the end of his earthly life. He and Sandy faithfully attended St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church.

Beyond his work and ministry, Gary treasured time with his family. He loved being on his knees playing with his grandchildren, fully present in their world. He enjoyed golfing with his sons, grandsons, and friends, cherishing the fellowship as much as the game itself. Another highlight of his life was traveling with Sandy and friends to attend polka dances, where laughter, music, and community filled the evenings.

Although he faithfully endured the devastating effects of Parkinson’s disease for ten years, Gary’s perspective remained grounded in Scripture. One of his favorite verses, 2 Corinthians 12:9, captured the strength by which he lived:

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. I gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ may rest on me.”
Gary is survived by his beloved wife, Sandy; his sons, Brian (Jenny) of Fort Atkinson and Dave (Connie) of Merrill; his three brothers, Michael (Georgi) of Windsor, Pastor Richard (Jean) of Hickory, North Carolina, and Morry (Eileen) of Iron Ridge; five grandchildren: Haeli (Jon) Blatchley of Waupaca, Taylor (David) Carrizales of Fort Atkinson, Pastor Logan (Haley) Schwandt of Waupaca, Kaden Schwandt of Merrill, and Jake Schwandt of Merrill; and eight great-grandchildren—Livi, Brynn, and Wells Blatchley of Waupaca; Elsie, Lyla, and Rosalie Carrizales of Fort Atkinson; and Kiah and LJ Schwandt of Waupaca—with one more great-grandchild expected in March. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Virginia (Derge) Schwandt, and his grandparents.

Gary’s legacy lives on in the thousands of students, athletes, colleagues, friends, and family members whose lives were strengthened by his steady encouragement, servant heart, and unwavering faith.