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.
To plant a tree in memory of Gary Edward Williams, please visit our Tribute Store.