William “Bill” Gary, 75, passed away on September 13, 2026, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, surrounded by his wife and children. After a difficult final couple of months, Bill is finally at peace, and his family is grateful that he is no longer hurting.

Bill was born August 14, 1951, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Harold and Marie Gary. With his father serving in the Air Force, Bill’s childhood took him to Topeka, Kansas, Japan, France, and eventually Duluth, Minnesota.

Duluth became especially important because it was there that Bill met Bonnie Rothe. The two married in March 1974 and spent the next 52 years building a life and family together.

Bill loved being part of his family’s lives, and helping was one of the ways he showed it. If one of his kids or grandkids needed something, Bill was there. He loved thinking through a problem, making a plan, figuring things out along the way, and seeing the job through to the end. Whether it was a project, a repair, a move, or something entirely different, the time spent together was what made it special to him.

He enjoyed being outdoors, playing golf, watching the Minnesota Vikings, and spending time with family.

Being there for his family was one of the ways Bill showed he cared. He could have a tough exterior, but those who knew him best also knew the big softie underneath. Getting to see that side of Bill was something special.

More than anything, Bill was proud of his family. He loved having everyone together, no matter what they were doing. What mattered most was simply being together. His presence was a large one, and his absence leaves a hole that will be felt in countless big and small ways.

Bill is survived by his wife, Bonnie Gary; his son Derek Gary and his wife, Kathy, and their children, Will, Noah, Henry, Stella, and Owen; his son Kevin Gary and his wife, Angela, and their son, Quinten; and his daughter Stefanie Anderson and her husband, Jeremy, and their children, Jaiden, Joaquin, Jayce, Harmony, and Ty.

Bill also carried with him the memory of his granddaughter Journey, who passed away at just 19 months old sixteen years ago. Though her life was far too short, Journey remained an important and deeply loved part of the family and of Bill’s heart.

For his family, it is difficult to narrow down what will be missed most about Bill. The truth is, they will miss everything. He was a big presence, someone they counted on, someone who wanted to be part of their lives, and someone whose place in the family cannot simply be filled.

A memorial gathering will be held on Monday, September 21, from 12:00 – 1:30 PM with an opportunity of sharing memories at 1:30 PM, at Pfotenhauer Funeral Home & Cremation Services, East Town location, 2379 E Mason Street.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the family.