Gary Barrington

1939 - 2018

Gary Barrington

New London - Gary Lee Barrington, age 79, died peacefully at his home surrounded by family on Tuesday, September 18, 2018. He was born on May 31, 1939 in New London, the son of the late Guy and Lorayne (Baker) Barrington. Gary graduated from New London High School in 1957; while in high school, he enlisted in the US Navy. He spent 4 years serving his country and 2 years were spent on the USS Boston (CAG1) taking him as far away as the Mediterranean. In 1960 he married Norita Van Straten and they started their family. He was a wonderful and dedicated family man, raising 8 children and being a superhero to 16 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. In 1967, Gary began working for the Outagamie County Sheriff's Department, where he served and protected alongside other deputies and officers, many of whom became lifelong friends. In 1996 he retired as Captain of Operations and a much respected leader. During his 26 years with the department, Gary spent his off-duty time putting out fires with the New London Fire Department. After 24 years, he stepped down from the fire department, ending his service as the Assistant Chief. Manawa became home after Gary retired, and Gary and Rita found a home with the view they had dreamed about. Gary's political restlessness got the best of him and soon he was working with Waupaca County on the board. Before he was elected supervisor, he was called and asked to fill a void as the Deputy Chief for the Town of Menasha Police Department in an adhoc role until re-election. Throughout his life, Gary was strongly devoted to God. He was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Lebanon. He had many interests and hobbies, including fishing, hunting, golfing, playing softball, hiking and reading. Gary loved sports of all kinds and was an avid Brewers, Badgers and Packers fan. He spent his younger years on the New London Jaycees, and later was a member of the Manawa Lions. He enjoyed spending time in Arizona with his wife and many wonderful acquaintances and friends, including his late brother and best friend Bill and his wife Fran. Gary retired from the Waupaca County Board supervisor and vice-chairman position in December of 2017. As busy as he was, Gary never missed an opportunity to see the kids grow with their families. His grandkids were his pride and joy, and he had an amazing way of making each one of them feel special.

Gary is survived by his loving wife, Norita; 8 children, Debra (Ron) Jaeger, Brad Barrington, Bart (Crystal) Barrington, Bryan Barrington, Dawn (Paul) Millard, Denise (Gary) Widder, Ben (Megan) Barrington and Dana (Tony) Amundson; 16 grandchildren, Lucas (Cassie) Ingalls, Jeremy Radford, Ryan Barrington, Reed Barrington, Wade Barrington, Cole Barrington, Guy Barrington, Brylee Barrington, Aubrie Millard, Bryce Millard, Blake Millard, Nathan Widder, Natalie Widder, Nora Widder, Olivia Barrington and Carter Barrington; 2 great-grandchildren, Ella Ingalls and Bowie Barrington; 3 brothers, James Barrington, Robert (Katy) Barrington and Bruce (Doylene) Barrington; sisters-in-law, Fran Barrington, Cheryl Hofacker, Suzy Schmidt, Cheryl Van Straten and Cleda Van Straten and brothers-in-law, Ronald (Barb) Van Straten, Tim Van Straten and Mark (Pam) Van Straten. Gary is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, William Barrington; an infant brother; mother and father-in-law, Dale and Phyllis Van Straten; sisters-in-law, Charlotte Van Straten and Roberta Barrington; brothers-in-law, Terry Van Straten, William "Butch" Van Staten and Nick Hofacker.

The funeral service for Gary will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 24, 2018 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Lebanon. Fr. John Kleinschmidt will be officiating. Visitation will take place on Sunday, September 23, 2018 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Cline & Hanson Funeral Home in New London and again at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the church on Monday. Burial will be in St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery, Lebanon. Full military honors will be held at the cemetery.

We love you Grandpa! You will always be in our prayers and dreams. "Holy Balls!"