Gary W. Mracek

Gary Willliam Mracek, 76, of Onalaska, WI passed away on March, 14, 2025 after battling heart disease for the past ten years.

Gary, born on August 5, 1948 in Protivin, Iowa, to Eleanor (Kriener) and Rueben Mracek, was the oldest of six siblings: Kevin, Mary, Kenny, Ann and Mark. Growing up on the family farm in Protivin, Iowa. Gary developed a strong work ethic at a young age, learning the value of hard work through milking cows, making hay and tending to all aspects of farm life.

He attended Rudolphinum School of Protivin, Iowa, graduating with the class of 1966. Following High School, Gary attended Iowa State College before earning his degrees in Ag Mechanics and Carpentry at Calmar, Northeast Iowa Community College.

Gary enjoyed playing softball at Saude Park with his siblings growing up and was an active member of the 4-H softball team. He also showed calves, fostering a deep connection to the land and animals.

In addition to his work on the family farm in Protivin, IA. Gary served in the Army as Chaplain’s Assistant from 1970-1972 in Vilseck, Germany. This experience was an important chapter in his life, one that shaped his life. He met and married Mary Frances Lebamoff, after serving the Army, in July of 1973. They had five children together.

Later in life, Gary met and married his beloved Dana Fuys Schmidt in September of 2007. Creating a blended family with Gary’s five children and Dana’s three children. Together, they shared a deep passion for their faith, rejoicing in their love of God at St. Patrick’s Church in Onalaska, Wisconsin, until the very end. Gary had a gift for socializing, whether with members of the church or at the local American Legions and local establishments, always expressing himself enthusiastically with his hands—leaving little room for anyone else to get a word in! His knowledge was vast, and he loved sharing it with others. He never forgot a name, familiar face or story.

Gary was truly a jack-of-all-trades whose talents and hard work left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him. Throughout his life, he mastered a diverse range of skills. His strong hands not only nurtured the earth as he worked agriculture, but he also owned and operated his family landscaping, lawn care and snow removal company. A proud member of the Knights of Columbus, Gary was a man with a flair for life. He found joy in dancing, singing karaoke, and playing cards with family and friends, always bringing laughter and energy to every gathering.

A dedicated worker with a heart as big as his skill set, Gary was an essential employee at Cedar Creek Country Club in Onalaska, where he worked as an assistant groundskeeper and club house maintenance man from 1988 to 2000. During this time, he ran his family landscaping business with his children working alongside him. Fun fact; Gary also raised pigs in the early 2000’s on the Russell Bringe Farm outside of Holmen with the help of his kids. During 2009 he delivered an average of 2000-3000 loaves of bread each week to numerous local food shelters, churches, private organizations and many private homes. Always with a genuine smile on his face, he became known as the “Bread Man.” Gary believed this work was a way to glorify Jesus and to “Love Thy Neighbor.” Later, he served his community once again, as a school bus driver for Ready Bus of Onalaska, safely transporting many children and becoming a familiar and trusted figure to families in his community.

One can only imagine the countless hours he spent outside his home. From farming and growing tobacco in his early twenties, to working at Cedar Creek, landscaping, maintaining and mowing lawns, his dedication was evident. Whether it was the endless hours of snow removal, raising pigs, delivering bread, or driving a school bus, he truly wore many hats throughout his lifetime. In the eyes of his children, he was just our Dad or Gary.

In the later years of life, Gary and Dana took a special trip to Charleston, South Carolina, visiting her son Erich and his family. They enjoyed exploring South Carolina together and spending time with family. Gary found great joy in the simple pleasures spent with Dana. Together, they nurtured their flowers and watched the birds from their back deck. Gary also enjoyed fishing at Lake Onalaska or along the Mississippi River—he might not have always caught much, but he always tried.

Foremost, farming was more than just work for Gary—it was his passion. He loved working the land with his International Harvester tractors, and his IH 856 was his pride and joy. Whether he was cutting and raking hay alongside his eldest son Joshua or taking it out for a tractor ride, those moments brought him true happiness throughout the years as well.

He approached every task with determination, humility, and an infectious love for life, embodying the spirit of perseverance and his faith in the Catholic Church. His diverse abilities were not just professions, but expressions of a life lived fully.

He was truly a devoted father, husband, brother, uncle, grandfather and great grandfather. Always offering guidance, support, and love. No matter where life took him, he ended every farewell to his loved ones with his signature smile and words: “God Bless.”

Gary is survived by his wife Dana Fuys Schmidt of 17 years. Sons; Joshua, Andrew, Damien (Tanya), Erich Schmidt (Robin), Joseph Schmidt (Megan). Daughters; Lanora Nelson (d. Ryan), Mary-Claire Sutherland (Stanley), Elisabeth Schmidt. Grandchildren; Vincent Arttus (Samantha), Brayden Lokken (Harley), Noah, Karsen and Owen Nelson, Catherine and Sally Schmidt, Leo and Mae Schmidt. Great Grandchild, Bexley. Brothers; Kevin Mracek (Cheryl), Kenny Mracek. Sisters; Mary Schoborg (Mark), Ann Langlinais (Steve). Sister-in-laws; Sheila Mracek (d. Mark), Sally Kastelic (Allan). Brother-in-law; David Fuys (Carol). There are also many uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Last, but not least their dog Piper.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Rueben and Eleanor Mracek his grandparents, William and Rosie Mracek, Peter and Mary Kriener. Parents-in-law; Joseph and Josephine Fuys. Son-in-law; Ryan Nelson. Brother; Mark Mracek. There were also several uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.

Gary’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all of Gary’s care staff. Their patience and kindness never went unnoticed. Thank you to the Cardiac Unit at Gundersen Health System, including the doctors, nurses, and care team; the Community Paramedics from Gundersen; the Common Heart Health Care Nurses; the Department of VA in Tomah, along with its doctors, nurses, and support staff; St. Patrick’s Church of Onalaska and its parishioners; and Monsignor Steven Kachel and Deacon Frank Abnet. Their healing prayers and unwavering support and patience throughout Gary’s years have been greatly appreciated.

In honor of Gary, family and friends who wish to celebrate his life are welcome to wear purple.

Funeral mass will be held at 10:30AM, Friday, March 28th at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Onalaska with visitation beginning at 9:30AM. A celebration of life will follow the Mass at 12:00PM Friday at the Cedar Creek Banquet Center. Burial will take place 10:30AM, Monday, March 31st at Gate of Heaven Cemetery for the family. Please note that there will be limited parking at St. Patrick’s Church. Guests are kindly asked to park in the lower parking lot or along the street.

Memorial contributions in memory of Gary may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.