Gary Lee Ender

Gary Ender, age 77, of Brice Prairie, passed away peacefully on August 15, 2025, at Gundersen Hospital with his loving family by his side.

Born in La Crosse on December 14, 1947, to Albert and Janice (Keller) Ender, Gary grew up with a strong sense of family and community. He graduated from Logan High School in 1967 and soon after began a long and dedicated career at Machine Products, where he worked until the company closed in 1995. He then continued his work ethic and commitment at Chart Industries until his retirement in 2013.

In 1970, Gary married the love of his life, Sue Pendleton. Together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Gary was a man of many interests, but his passion for bike riding stood out. Over the years, he logged an incredible 276,675 miles—“jeepers creepers,” that’s more than most people put on their cars. His rides weren’t just about the miles; they were about connection. After work, he would gather his children and neighborhood kids for bike rides to Lytle’s Bridge or Tank Creek for swimming, followed by grilling hot dogs over a wood fire—a simple joy that became a treasured tradition.

Another one of Gary’s hobbies was his love for cars. He was especially proud when he bought his first brand-new car. That pride only grew when Dodge released the Challenger—he was hooked. Over the years, he owned four Challengers and cherished each one. They were more than just vehicles to him; they were a symbol of his passion and personality.

Family was everything to Gary. Despite facing significant health challenges over the past seven years, his spirit remained strong even when his memory was failing. His wife, children, grandchildren, and the arrival of his first great-grandchild brought light and joy to even the most difficult days.

Gary is survived by his beloved wife, Sue; his children Sharon (Dennis) Ballweg and their children Cayla (Garrett) Nale and their son Graham, Noah Freeman, and Canon Ballweg; Rhonda (Jim) Reed and their children Dawson and Caden; Dan Ender and his daughter Josie; and Tara (Dustin) Weiss and their children Andrew, Allison, and Kaitlyn. He is also survived by his honorary children Scott “Meathead” Tabbert and Anita Rice; his siblings Karen Miller, David Ender, Carol (Ron) Price, and Susan Lamb; many nieces and nephews, and a whole bunch of “kooks”.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Dennis Ender; brother-in-law Doug Miller; parents-in-law Joe and Lorna Pendleton and sister-in-law Ruth Koblitz.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 20, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home, 907 Sand Lake Road, Onalaska. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 21, at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with visitation from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Pastor Scott Skogen will officiate. Burial will take place at the Onalaska City Cemetery following the service.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff at Gundersen Hospital and the Gundersen Hospice team for their exceptional care and empathy during Gary’s final weeks.

Gary will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family, his adventurous spirit, and the countless lives he touched with his kindness and warmth.

“Gee Golly Miss Molly,” we are going to miss him and his sense of humor.