Gary O. Kaiser

Gary O. Kaiser

July 28, 1956 – March 13, 2026

Gary O. Kaiser strapped on his guitar for one last gig on Friday, March 13, 2026, joining old friends and many greats waiting for him on the BIG STAGE. He passed peacefully at home as was his biggest 'last' wish, with rock and roll music playing and his wife Sue at his side.

Gary was born to Maria E. (Chaplin) and Clyde L. Kaiser on July 28, 1956. He attended Plymouth Public Schools where he met Sue (Griebel) in kindergarten. Gary & Sue often reminisced about being in 4th grade classes at the Armory (when Parkview got too overcrowded). They both laughed when they remembered having to leave the Armory during violent weather and run to the Kaiser house on Sunset Dr. and Chaplin Court. Different letters in last names determined which basement of three houses you would run to! Graduating from Plymouth High School in 1974, Gary went onto DeVry Institute of Technology in Chicago that same year to gain his associate degree as an Electronic Technician in June of 1976.

On August 6, 1976, Gary and Sue married and continued their life in Plymouth, WI proudly proclaiming anytime they were asked where they were from: "Plymouth, WI born & bred!".

Gary, with his brother Paul, assisted their parents in operating the family business for many years, a GE dealership named 'Chaplin Appliances' in downtown Plymouth. After the downtown store closed, Gary began his own business, 'Gary's Custom Installations' and enthusiastically installed home theatres, etc. in many homes in Sheboygan County. While working independently on his own business, Gary also worked for 'Local Access Public TV Channel 3' (later channels 14 and 20) and was employed with the Plymouth Joint School District as a low voltage technician.

For many years Gary was seen recording/streaming school sporting events or sitting at the back of auditoriums running sound and lights during all school concerts or theatre events. It was not unusual for Gary to be working with several high school youths under his tutelage as audiovisual employees on the high school AV team or employed by TV14/20. Even though Gary was a 'laid back' type of employer he always explained to young employees that work done 'good enough' was never as satisfying as when you went the extra mile for a final product. Gary was also a staple at City Hall, recording the Plymouth City Council meetings held twice each month as well as a constant at the High School Amphitheatre recording the school district's monthly board meetings to ensure that the Plymouth community could view these important meetings.

Gary's biggest love (even Sue says so!) was music. There was not a time in his life that he wasn't involved in music: playing trombone in all school bands and school pit bands. Playing lead guitar in 'garage' bands in elementary school and later local 'bar' bands until the time of his passing. Writing original tunes with the band

were some of Gary's greatest accomplishments. Friends and band mates made during 50 plus years are way too numerous to list – but know that each one of you held a special place in Gary's heart. He would always remember the people that worked with a band he had played with and share memories about that person and time.

There were many special memories made and space held in Gary's heart for Larry Patz and Don Basler – two band mates from his last band Racer. And of course, Gary's 'little' brother Paul who was always 'in the band' with Gary. Two close friends from the school district, Kurt Zolp and Michael Briggs were instrumental in keeping Gary connected to a life outside of his home in the last years of his life.

Heartfelt gratitude for Amy (aide) and Jocelyn (RN) from Aurora At Home Hospice for their help in the last week of Gary's life. Their patience and encouragement were everything!

Gary was preceded in death by his parents Maria E. (Chaplin) and Clyde L. Kaiser as well as his parent-in-laws Hannah S. (Tostman) and Gunther R. Griebel, his sister-in-law Rita J. Griebel, brother-in-law Eugene Bowman and nephew-in-law Mark Heffernan.

Gary is survived by his siblings: Sisters: Maryann J. Bowman (Eugene-deceased); MariJane M. Weir (Alan J.), Eileen M. Brooks (Dennis J.), and brother Paul A. Kaiser (Cheryl L.). Time spent with his brother and sisters at their monthly sibling lunches were some of the bright lights in the last year of Gary's life.

Gary is furthered survived by many nieces and nephews (as well as grandnieces and grandnephews): Scott A. Weir (Katrina M.), children Ryan S. and Molly K., Jonathon J. Weir (Jacqueline M.) children Josalyn M. and Jensen J. Jennifer M. Lesniewski (Weir) (Aaron D.) children Lillian M. and Valerie A. Kathryn M. Weir, Melissa M. Heffernan (Brooks) (Mark T.- deceased) children Keira M. and Emelia M., David J. Brooks (Amanda F.) children Elliott J. and Charlotte F., Michael D., Brooks (Allison), Christopher A. Brooks.

Gary and Sue always sat back in enjoyment at the chaos created during Christmas gatherings at Eileen's house! Smiling and laughing at the antics of the younger generation(s) gathered. Priceless!!

Gary is further survived by his son Benjamin R. Kaiser (Jill) and granddaughter, Adalind E. Kaiser - whose name alone always brought a light to Gary's eyes and a smile to his lips.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at Suchon Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Visitation 1pm-3pm (utilize north entrance); 3pm words of love and remembrance. All are welcome to attend and share memories of Gary. A memorial fund has been established in Gary's name.