Gary Waterstradt, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at the age of 86 on Tuesday May 14, 2024. Born with a heart full of kindness and a spirit of adventure, Gary lived a life marked by dedication, love, and success.
For 66 wonderful years, Gary was the devoted husband to his cherished wife, Jackie. Their love story is one for the ages, built on mutual respect, unwavering support, and a deep bond that grew stronger with each passing year. Together, they created a beautiful family, raising six children and watching with pride as their family expanded to include their children’s spouses, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom were touched by his wisdom and warmth.
A visionary entrepreneur, Gary founded a successful business in the fireplace industry, where his keen business acumen and dedication to quality set a high standard. His leadership and integrity earned him respect within the industry and beyond. Gary’s business was not just a means of livelihood but a testament to his hard work, innovation, and commitment to excellence.
Gary was also a man of many passions. An avid outdoorsman, he found solace and joy in the great outdoors, spending countless hours hunting and fishing. These activities were not just hobbies but were sources of profound joy and a way for him to connect with family, friends, and nature. Whether casting lines on the bay of Green Bay or exploring new destinations with family and friends, Gary found peace and happiness in the beauty of the natural world.
Gary is survived by his loving wife, Jacqulyne; six children: Kelly Spaulding of Green Bay, Korry (Jerome) McVey of De Pere, Bill (Cathy) Waterstradt of Mission, BC, Susan (Gordon) Rudd of McHenry, IL, Sarah (Tony) Green of Round Lake, IL and Matthew (Addie) Waterstradt of Green Bay; grandchildren: Christopher (Emily) Spaulding, Tim Spaulding, Adam (Jamie) McVey, Chad (Dana) McVey, Ben (Johanna) McVey, Kelsey (Jon) Van Ryzin, Christina Waterstradt, Dylan Waterstradt, Hannah Green, Alex (Ashley Rico) Green, Michael Green, Morgan Rudd, Madeline (Victoria) Rudd, Spencer Rudd, Will Waterstradt and Sophie Waterstradt; great-grandchildren: Jace, Ahna and Finn McVey, Jack McVey, Isabella and Aurora Green, Jaymeson Rudd, Everly Waterstradt and Jacqulyne Remi Van Ryzin; siblings: Daniel Waterstradt, Glen Waterstradt, David Waterstradt, Steve (Sue) Waterstradt, Dennis Waterstradt, Terry (Dan) Waterstradt-Giesen and Peter (Kathy)Waterstradt; and many in-laws, nieces and nephews.
A Visitation will be held on Friday, May 24, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at St. Benedict Catholic Church, 3370 Deerfield Ln W, Suamico, WI. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow after the gathering time at 1:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to Foster the Village, 1440 Division St, Green Bay, WI 54303, in Gary's memory. Foster the Village has a mission of brightening the lives of children in out-of-home care. They help ease the foster care journey for them and their caregivers. Another option is St. Benedicts Catholic Church for the purchase of a St. Michael Statue to be displayed in the church at 3370 Deerfield Ln W, Suamico, WI 54173.