Gary Fierek

1955 - 2020

Gary Fierek

Hatley - Gary Fierek, age 65, of Hatley, passed away due to interstitial lung disease on Sunday, December 13, 2020, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. Gary was born on March 4, 1955, in Wausau, a son of Theodore and Eleanor (Gavin) Fierek, Sr.

He spent his childhood in Hatley, and attended St. Florian Elementary School and was a graduate of D. C. Everest High School. He married Vicki Betry in July of 1977 at the Fierek-Wright Family Homestead. The couple had two wonderful children together that he cherished. Gary and Vicki divorced later in life.

Gary was employed by Chicago Northwestern, which was later bought out by Union Pacific Railroad. He started his career in Eland, WI and dedicated 37 years of his life to the railroad which took him to places far and wide throughout the U.S. He enjoyed his railroad family and friends and had many fond memories of the people he worked alongside on the tracks. He loved Ford automobiles, which always brought him home safely after putting hundreds of thousands of miles on while traveling for work.

He was a proud father who enjoyed fishing and the outdoors, visits to the casino, and home-cooked meals. Gary loved music and was his daughter's biggest fan. He will be remembered for his generosity and love, his compassion for people and animals. He had a special love for turtles and would help them safely cross the road anytime he could. His door was always open to anyone in need and anytime he could help someone in need, he did.

Survivors include a son, David Fierek of Hatley; daughter, Sarah Fierek of Whitefish Bay; two sisters Joann (Thomas) Bloomer of Mosinee and Leone (Pete) Peterson of Schofield. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers Kenneth Fierek, Teddy Fierek, Jr.; and sisters Delores Burgoyne and Elaine Gleason.

A private funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday at St. Florian Catholic Church in Hatley and available virtually via Facebook on the St. Florian Hatley page at https://www.facebook.com/stflorianhatley/. A celebration of life will be held in the summer when we can all gather safely again. For information about Gary's life celebration and to share your favorite memories with him, please email GaryFierek@gmail.com. Burial will take place at St. Florian Parish Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial in Gary's name will be established. Cards of condolences may be directed to P.O. Box 68, Hatley, WI 54440.

A very special thank you to his son, David, who helped provide loving care for his Dad for many years and 'til the end. Additionally, we send our heartfelt gratitude to the entire staff at Aspirus Cardiac ICU for the care they provided and to Dr. Cygan for his kindness and compassion as we navigated these trying times. Thankfully, Gary did not have COVID and his children were able to be by his side. His memories will live on but he will be greatly missed. Fly high, Dad!

Online obituary at www.bradleyfh.com