Gary J. Gerhard

Gary Gerhard, 79, passed away in his home on September 18, 2019 with his beloved wife Felicity by his side. Gary lived his life for his family. He often shared that marrying Felicity was the best decision he ever made. He bursted with pride for all his children and grandchildren. In the weeks before his passing he shared that he had lived a happy life. Gary had an entrepreneurial spirit and early in his life he owned Milwaukee Tree and Landscaping. He was also a licensed real estate broker who bought and sold land to build assets. His cottage in Egg Harbor was one of his greatest joys. He believed in the power real estate but knew that neighbors were more important than houses. Nothing satisfied him more than an honest deal settled on a handshake. He valued integrity and work before play. In his later years he worked for Schwartz Pharma in Shipping/Receiving and at Solvay as a Utility Supervisor. Gary was an avid rummage saler who had a gift for finding anything you needed. He honed his craft in the years he worked at St. Vincent’s DePaul. He was the most generous man and loved nothing better than giving his treasures away. He didn’t save a lot of money buying at yard sales, but he did show a lot of love and make a lot of friends. In spite of some adversity, Gary had an open heart and shared his love freely. “Love you, proud of you” flowed from his heart daily. He held a deep gratitude for Alcoholics Anonymous and achieved 51 years of solid sobriety. He believed in learning from mistakes and was a man of his word. He loved the UW-LaCrosse football team, Motown music, GMC pick-up trucks, dogs, and a good laugh. He had his own stand-up comedy routine and some knew him by the name “George Clooney.” He is further survived by his wife Felicity, his two daughters Janet (John) Riggio and Kathy (Avie) Gerhard, his two sons David (Carrie) Gerhard, and Bob Gerhard, his grandchildren Paige, Brandon, Ruby, Allison, Cydelle, Kate, and Elijah, and his brother Clyde (June) Gerhard. He joins in Heaven his parents Clarence and Ida (nee Poston), brother Roy (Nancy), sister Corrine, daughter Carolyn (Bruce) Steen, and life-long friend Jerry Tice. Chances are pretty good he is sitting on a stool telling them his latest joke. Family held a private service in the family home. Memorials may be made to the Milwaukee Rescue Mission.