Garrett “Gary” Wilson, age 91, of Hayward, WI passed away on Friday, December 7th, 2018 at Water’s Edge Care Center in Hayward.

Garrett Edward was born November 15, 1927 in Peoria, IL the son of Charles and Alma (Schrepfer) Wilson.  Gary was raised in Peoria and then was selected to attend Castle Heights Military Academy in Lebanon, TN.  After graduating from the military academy, he went onto college at the Citadel in Charleston, S.C. where he earned a Civil Engineering Degree and the rank of Second Lieutenant.  He joined the U.S. Army and served from February 1, 1952 until January 31, 1954.  On May 16, 1952, Gary was joined in marriage to Janet Eileen McLennan at Fort Bliss in El Paso, TX.  After his time in service, Gary returned to Peoria where he continued a career with the State of Illinois Highway Department as a Civil Engineer.  In 1959, he transitioned to Janssen and Schaefer Construction and then Gunther Construction in Galesburg, IL where he spent 23 years.  Gary retired on May 1, 1992 and he and Janet moved to Hayward, WI.  Gary enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, snowmobiling, and Monday evening dinners at the Chippewa Inn with his close group of friends.  He was active with organizing the Tuesday Men’s Golf League at Hayward Golf Couse and caring for the yard at the United Methodist Church in hayward.  He had pilots license and loved to fly his Cessna 182. 

 Gary is survived by his wife of 66 years, Janet; four sons, David (Amanda) of Hayward, Douglas (Carol) of Washington, IL, Dale of Moline, IL, Dean (Beverly) of St. Petersburg, FL; four grandchildren, five great grandchildren; one nephew and three nieces.

 He was preceded in death by his parents.

 A memorial service celebrating Gary’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 15th, at the United Methodist Church in Hayward with Pastor Cathy Hamblin officiating.  Military honors will be accorded by the Wisconsin Military Funeral Honors Program.  Interment will be in the Greenwood Cemetery.

 In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the United Methodist Church, 10285 N Olker Road, or the Hayward Library Foundation, PO Box 1303, both of Hayward, WI 54843.

Garrett "Gary" Wilson, 91, of Hayward, WI died Friday, December 7, 2018 at Water's Edge Care Center in Hayward.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, December 15 at the Hayward United Methodist Church. There will be a visitation one hour prior to the service at the church.

A full obituary will follow.

Last Update: Dec 19, 2018 10:52 am CST