Gary Edward Williams

November 7, 1951 - August 10, 2023

Gary Edward Williams was born on 11/7/51 and passed peacefully on 8/10/23 at the age of 71 after a long battle with cancer.

Gary was a kind, intelligent, humorous man who loved with all his heart. He was born and raised in Saint Francis, WI before making his home in Beaver Dam. He was a beloved teacher with the Waupun school district for 32 years and served with the Army and National Guard for 24 years. Gary was always cool, calm, and collected. Even when facing challenging times, he remained optimistic. He always had a special way of finding joy in life’s simple treasures. Gary loved his family, friends, fishing, playing cards, and pizza. He also enjoyed going out to eat, reading, music, movies, and cars. Gary was an outgoing, generous man with a warm smile who was loved by many. He married his high school sweetheart, Judy, on 9/1/73 and had three children. Gary has enjoyed many wonderful friendships and cherished his regular restaurant meals, card games, and conversations with friends and retired colleagues. Gary said one of his main regrets in life was that he could never find anyone who could beat him at cards. Visiting Poskin Lake for fishing trips with his father, brother, and son is another highlight of his life. The biannual Peterson Family Reunion which started in 1982 and continues to this day has always been a highly anticipated and joyful event for Gary and his children to spend time with parents, grandparents, and cousins. Gary loved his cousins like brothers and sisters. The most recent reunion happened the weekend before his passing where family got the chance to visit him. Gary was himself right up until the end sharing jokes, smiles, gratitude, and love.

Gary is survived by his children Laurie (Michael) Schmitz, Janelle Fritz, and Michael Williams as well as his five beautiful granddaughters Kelsey, Elaina, Leah, Evelyn, and Taylor. He is also survived by two loving siblings Patrick Hank (Chris) Williams and Nancy Rabideau, his niece Lisa Carter, nephew Jason Geller, many dear cousins, and cherished friends. Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Irene Williams, Judy Fischer, and several beloved cousins and friends.

A small, private ceremony will be held with family at Gary’s request.

Gary Edward Williams was born on 11/7/51 and passed peacefully on 8/10/23 at the age of 71 after a long battle with cancer. Gary was a kind, intelligent, humorous man who loved with all his heart. He was born and raised in Saint Francis, WI before making his home in Beaver Dam. He was aContinue Reading

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Dear Laurie, Please know how much we are thinking of you. Our hearts are with you and your whole family during this time.

Dear Uncle Gary, Thank you for being such a great Uncle! You were always so good to me and everyone! And OF COURSE thank you for all the Pizza!

I am sorry to hear of Gary's passing. I knew him for a number of years as a friend and fellow educator. He was always mindful of his students and their needs. He will be missed greatly. God bless his memories.

My deepest sympathies to Gary’s entire family. Gary was my first best friend, since we grew up across the street from each other and our Moms were best friends. We shared a lot of great memories and he will never be forgotten by me.

So sorry to hear of the passing of Gary. I loved coaching intramural football and basketball against Gary because he never took it too seriously, and he always made it fun for the kids. His humor at inservices in the district were always appreciated! I still remember when he said,”I smell another checklist,” and everybody just roared! I enjoyed our talks so much when I would see him at Chili John’s. I will miss him!

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Janelle - sending peace and love my friend.

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Gary Williams . Plant a Tree

My condolences to Gary’s entire family. He was a good man and great classmate of mine at St. Francis High School. I will always remember him.

my sincere condolences to Gary Williams family. I only knew Gary four short years at St Francis High School, in St Francis, Wisconsin. We were Facebook friends and that is how I found out about Gary being ill. RIP my friend.

So many memories of Gary !! My thoughts and prayers are with all his family and friends. I got to know Gary working at Poskin Lake Resort for the past 22 years and he was so fun to talk with and the laughter was heard all through the campground. Gary is missed so much and loved dearly ❤. I miss him and his generosity and wisdom and jokes. I will cherish our last conversation sitting and talking at the white trailer on Poskin...

So sorry to hear about the passing of your dad! He was such a kind man! Please know we are thinking of you and sending our love!

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Gary Williams . Plant a Tree

Gary, truly had a wonderful life! You will be forever missed! RIP

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.