Gary Edwin Lang

With both sadness and celebration of a life well-lived, we announce the passing of Gary Edwin Lang on April 4, 2025, at the age of 72 years, in Waterloo, WI. Gary was born March 4, 1953, in Milwaukee, WI, to Carl and Marilyn (Tillman) Lang. Raised in Greenfield, WI, Gary attended and graduated from Greenfield High School, where he played football, basketball and track. His love for music led he and his friends to start a garage band, Abner Til. Gary’s love for music spanned many music styles, and he passed on his appreciation of music to all of his children and grandchildren, whether it be vocal or instrumental.

In 1975, Gary moved with his family to Eagleville, WI, where they ran Lang’s Service and sponsored the Lang’s Service Softball Team, of which Gary was the catcher.

Gary and Lori (Milazzo) were married on February 16th, recently celebrating their 45th wedding anniversary. They had a shared love of camping, travel adventures and historical re-enacting. He was the proud father of Eric & Natasha, Katie, Jessie, and Mari & Utku; and a respected father figure and mentor to many. Gary was the cherished Grandpa of Olivya, Hudson and Maddie; attending as many sporting and music events as he possibly could.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, friends and the three family dogs Chester, Rufas and Ajax. Gary is survived by his siblings Wendy & Larry, Brian & Ruth, Jerriann & Mike, Carl & Sue, Dale & Tammy, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, other family and friends.

Gary was an avid conservationist and outdoors man with skills he learned with his Grandpa and Uncles in Three Lakes. He enjoyed hunting, archery, fishing and recently acquired a set of golf clubs. Channeling his passion for history, combined with a need to educate, he was known to provide a history lesson with every meal. He was a voracious reader, a talented blacksmith, woodcarver, coffee roaster, campfire cook, and grill master – specializing in pork chops and yard bird, aka chicken. Family breakfast usually started with his special fried potatoes, fried in one of his many cast iron fry pans. He enjoyed a good game of cribbage, chess, and sheepshead. Gary made Christmas ornaments for his children, grandchildren and anyone else who would be joining the family for the holiday – Gary’s philosophy was there was always a place at our table for anyone who wanted to spend the holidays with us. Gary was proud to protect and stand up for those he loved, and rarely passed up an opportunity to debate. His mind worked quickly and often moved on to another topic before the rest of us were finished with the current one, he’d reply, “I’ve already closed that door”, this became the tag line for getting his attention, “Dad, I need a door”. Above all else, Gary prioritized family, friends and camaraderie.

Over the years, Gary was a Boy Scout leader, camp commissioner, Girl Scout leader and trainer for new leaders. He was a member of Tri-Troy Ambulance Service. He served on the Church Council and Building Committee. Gary also served as President of both Central Wisconsin Sportsmans Club and, the Wisconsin Muzzle Loading Association, and along with Lori was a NRA/NMLRA certified muzzle loader instructor.

As a registered Organ and Tissue Donor, his donation made a difference to many recipients in need.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the family who have chosen to support various organizations. 

The Celebration of Life for Gary will be held at Oakstone Recreational 304 Commerce Pkwy, Cottage Grove, WI. Saturday, May 3rd. Open House from Noon to 4pm. We’ll join together at 2pm for a Welcome and Blessing from Chaplain Shannon Colwin. We invite you to share a memory or bring an item that reminds you of Gary. Those wishing to share their memory will have an opportunity to do so during this time. Please let us know in advance. A memorial toast will follow about 2:30. Casual dress. We look forward to celebrating Gary’s life with you!

Pagenkopf Funeral Home in Oconomowoc is assisting the family