L. Gary Winske, 88, Allouez, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 21, 2022, surrounded by his four sons.
He was born during the Great Depression on April 11, 1934, in Waupaca to the late Otto and Margaret (Becker) Winske. Gary enjoyed spending the summers of his early years on the farm in Waupaca with his grandparents. He graduated from Whitefish Bay High School where he excelled in the school’s powerhouse track and field program, specifically in the 440-yard dash. He was the state champion in that event in 1952, and he set a record time that stood for several years and is one that would still be very competitive even in today’s age of improved training and technology. Impressively, he was also the starting center for his high school’s varsity football team.
After high school, Gary attended Lawrence University, where he continued to excel in athletics. He also served his country in the United States Army for two years until his honorable discharge, and later attended Marquette University.
While attending Lawrence University, Gary met Barbara Clancy. They were married on January 24, 1959, in Green Bay. Gary and Barb lived in the family home they built in Allouez, having moved in on Halloween night in 1962. Sadly, she preceded him in death on July 17, 2008.
Gary worked at Fort Howard Paper Company for many years, advancing to the position of personnel director. He then went on to work in the trucking industry for 23 years until his retirement.
Gary remained active in the years following retirement. He assisted his son, Tom, in coaching the St. Norbert baseball team for many years. In his later years, he also served as a Eucharistic Minister for Resurrection Catholic Church, where he and Barb were charter members in 1963.
An engaging conversationalist, Gary was very knowledgeable on a wide range of subjects, from cooking and gardening to sports and politics. He had an impressive recall of personal and historical events and would often recount the stories you shared with him. From family to friends, he welcomed conversation and was always genuinely interested in what was going on in your life.
A supportive father and grandfather, Gary always enjoyed going to the many activities of his children and grandchildren and took an active interest in their lives. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather.
He is survived by his four sons, Mark (Patty), Jon, Tom (Betsy), and Dan (Nikki); grandchildren, Andy, Ryan (Julia), Stephanie, Emma, Morgan, and Lindsey; great grandchildren, Ziggy and LuLu; sisters-in-law, Audrey Clancy and Dinah Clancy; nieces Katie and Erin; special cousins, Sherry (Tom) Vandenberg and Diane (Ken) Hill; and many other cherished relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his in-laws, Willard and Norma Clancy, and his brothers-in-law, Ken Clancy, and Larry Clancy.
Visitation will be held at Resurrection Catholic Church, 333 Hilltop Dr., on Monday, August 29, 2022, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. Funeral Mass 11:00 a.m. Monday at the church with Rev. Tom Reynebeau officiating. Burial will take place at Allouez Catholic Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.prokowall.com.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a memorial fund will be established.