Obituary for Gary A. Willinger

He was born August 30, 1952 to Allen and Verna (Ehlo) Willinger. On April 23, 1977 he married the love of his life, Karen Carlson.

Gary graduated from West Salem High School in 1970. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1970 – 1974 and was a member of Berg-Hemker-Olson American Legion Post 51 of West Salem. February of 2002 Gary was awarded for his service as Lake Neshonoc Lake District Chairman for his dedication to protect and rehabilitate the lake. He was an avid deer hunter, fisherman, gardener, golfer and loved playing euchre at family gatherings. Gary touched everyone he met. He was a loving, caring, giving soul.

Survivors include his wife, Karen; daughter Emily of West Salem; son Kyle Willinger (Holly) of Trempealeau, WI; three loving grandchildren, Adriana, Arissa and Audrey; mother Verna Willinger; brothers Steven (Mary) Willinger of New Berlin, WI and Glenn Willinger of Onalaska, WI; mother-in-law Tomi Carlson, brother-in-law Kevin Carlson, sister-in-law Lisa Kish (Louis Zager) and many cousins, nieces and nephews; and many other relatives and amazing, loving, friends who he cherished so much. He was preceded in death by his father Allen Willinger and father-in-law Earl Carlson.

The family would like to sincerely thank the hospice staff at Gundersen Lutheran for their excellent care and kindness. We couldn’t have gotten through without you.

A private ceremony will be held in the spring time at Neshonoc Cemetery with military honors.