Garry William Doepke

1950 - 2014

Doepke, Garry William

Garry William Doepke, 63, passed away in the care of hospice services at Hospice House on Saturday, April 5, 2014. Garry was born a twin on April 23, 1950, to Herbert and Mabel (Miller) Doepke. He spent his childhood in Rothschild and enjoyed playing baseball and hockey. Garry graduated from DC Everest High School in 1968 and promptly volunteered for the draft. He served in Vietnam for 14 months in the U.S. Army 77th Field Artillery, 25th Infantry Division. Upon returning home, he attended Northcentral Technical College and graduated with an associate degree in mechanical design. Shortly after, he was hired at Siemens/Zimpro, where he worked for 41 years.

As an adult, Garry had many passions. He completed 18 Birkebeiners and two Kortelopets, earned medals in speed skating in the Badger State Games and enjoyed trap shooting at the Weston Hit and Miss Trap Club. He also loved getting together with the guys for monthly Texas Hold'em poker games. Deer hunting was another favorite activity, something he shared with friends when he was young and with his favorite uncle, Arnie, as he got older.

His biggest passion, however, was his family. Garry met his wife, Patricia (Luedtke), at Zimpro; they married in 1977. She survives. They have one daughter, Tanya (Tim) Boock, Minneapolis, MN; one son, Daniel (Jennifer) Doepke, Chicago, IL; and four grandchildren: Elizabeth Quick, Gage and Paris Boock, and Miles Doepke.

Garry is also survived by his brother Donald (Sandra) Doepke, twin brother Larry (Marie) Doepke, and many nieces and nephews.

Garry will be remembered by those who loved him as a kind-hearted soul who was always willing to lend a helping hand. He was a natural handyman, as evidenced by the many projects he completed over the years at the family's Birch Lake cottage. He was happiest when surrounded by family during weekends at the cottage or on vacation on Sanibel Island.

The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to Dr. Brian Smith for his compassion and care of Garry.

Services will be held at John J. Buettgen Funeral Home on Saturday, April 12, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. with a visitation starting at 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Military honors will be at Restlawn Memorial Cemetery immediately following service.

John J. Buettgen Funeral Home is assisting family at this time. A memorial to honor Garry will be set up at a later date. Online condolences can be expressed at www.JJBFH.com.