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Gary Ekern Obituary
Gary Harland Ekern
Gary Harland Ekern, 72 of Homen, WI passed away on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse following complications from heart surgery.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, August 16th at Journey Lutheran Church, 2703 Sand Lake Road, Onalaska. Visitation for family and friends will be held at the church on Friday from 9:00 A.M. until the time of the service. Private family burial will be held in the Coon Valley Lutheran Cemetery.
For a complete obituary and online guestbook, please visit www.schumacher-kish.com.
Memories and Condolences
for Gary Ekern
Sponsored by Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services - Onalaska.
Jason Ramaker
August 18, 2024
Dawn & I would like to express our sympathy to the family. He was always so proud of his wife, kids and grandkids and spoke positively of his travels and adventures with them often. We knew Gary through his love and involvement in Tennis. He was a master in getting people together for socials, tournaments, potlucks, USTA Captain, Coulee Region Tennis Association, Park & Rec Tennis, doubles groups and more. The friendships, connections and memories he was responsible for in the tennis community were endless. Great person, friend, family man and great tennis player. Speedy, consistent, tricky little Beaver on the court won a lot of matches with his court smarts, conditioning and sharp play. You were loved and will be missed my friend, former doubles partner & USTA Co-Captain.
Alan Meyer
August 16, 2024
Gary was a School friend from Westby high school ( fastest guy on the track team for the first 50yrds at least). To playing sheep’s head at the union at UW Lacrosse to going to brewer games in Milwaukee.
Thanks for the memories Gary
Rest in piece
Alan Meyer
Rick and Sandy Feyen
August 16, 2024
LuAnne, so sorry for your sudden loss. Gary was a good friend to Rick. He was instrumental in helping to ignite the tennis leagues, thru LTTA ,Saturday gatherings and weekly emails. His enthusiasm and smile will be greatly missed. God Bless you and your family
John Heck
August 15, 2024
So sorry to hear of the loss of Gary. I had gotten to know Gary through pickleball. He was a great advocate of the game. We played many games together and against each other. We enjoyed a little friendly banter when on opposite sides. I will miss Gary as will the entire pickleball community. I pray for the family as you grieve his loss.
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paulene aspenson
August 15, 2024
My deepest sympathy to the Ekern family.
Paulene Aspenson Chances Are
August 15, 2024
Dear LuAnne,
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Sue & Dale Olson
Lois Sprengelmeyer
August 14, 2024
Gary was kind and compassionate to everyone he met. He loved the outdoors and helping others. Wishing much love and support to Gary’s family. Lois and Lee Sprengelmeyer
Sue Hermes
August 14, 2024
Luanne,
Jim and I were so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. His energy and zest for life will be greatly missed.
Mick Polito
August 14, 2024
Very sorry and sad to see of Gary’s passing ..He was always the perfect gentleman and always enjoyed playing tennis with him on our teams ..He will be missed !
Mick Polito
Jerry Passe
August 13, 2024
Gary put in countless hours to improve the sport of pickle ball for our community. He will be missed. Rest in peace Gary.
Debra (Nelson) Verstegen
August 13, 2024
To Luanne, Jenny, Erin, Chad and your families. I send my sympathies and thoughts. I have many memories of spending the summers at your house with the kids. Gary always had me check my pay at the end of the week to make sure it was correct and fair - a good skill I still treasure. Sorry for your loss. God's peace sustain you all.
Thomas Gasper
August 13, 2024
Dear LuAnne, you have my condolences.
Nancy Fischer
August 13, 2024
Luann, so sorry for your loss.
Dennis & Kay Bjornstad
August 13, 2024
Our deepest sympathy to Gary's family. We were neighbors for many years in Coon Valley, they lived 2 houses down from us growing up. They were a very nice family and great neighbors. Rest in peace Gary.
Tracy (Becker) Hokanson
August 13, 2024
I met Gary through pickleball. He played with my dad many years. When I would come to visit, I would play with Gary and I don't know if there was better ambassador for the sport. He was kind and welcoming. I'm sorry for your loss.
Tammy Highman
August 13, 2024
So sorry for your loss. Gary was always so kind.
Tim Kind
August 13, 2024
What can you say about someone who meant so much to you? I guess thanks for being a good friend. In some ways Gary was the rock and glue to the Tennis and Pickelball community in La Crosse, Onlaska and Holmen. Many will miss him. I will see you again. Get the courts ready for us in Heaven. Someday we will play again.
Homer Mills
August 13, 2024
Gary was a good person. He and I formed a relationship through Pickleball. About a month ago I was playing Pickleball with him and he said “it feels good to feel good”. I was so happy for him. I gave him a hugs last year as he waited for surgery and then during his long long journey to feeling good. He would say “I need a Homer hug”. I will miss you Gary.
Brian and Karen Rude
August 12, 2024
The obituary is a beautiful tribute which captures so much that was special about Gary. Indee, he had a real zest for life and incredible energy. We are heartbroken for all of your lovely family in the loss of this great husband, father, grandfather and brother. We've enjoyed our 40 years of friendship and treasure all the memories which will always live on.
celine donofrio
August 12, 2024
He sounds like a wonderful person, I wish I had met him. So sorry, Erin and family, for your loss.
Barb and Curt Reithel
August 12, 2024
Curt and I extend our deepest sympathy to Luanne and the family. Gary was a very respectable guy who cared deeply about his family, his church, and his community. He enjoyed talking about sports and politics, and Gary was one of Curt's first students at UW-L. He was always upbeat and just a nice guy. Gary's passing was a shock to everyone, and we are so, so sorry for your loss.
Bonnie Proksch
August 12, 2024
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. We were classmates in grammar school and high school. They lived a block from us. So sad. But in a better place. ❤❤
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