Gary Amundson Age 70, of Rice Lake, WI, died Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at his home.

Gary was born at Lakeside Hospital in Rice Lake on November 16th, 1953, the eldest of six children to Vern and Evelyn (Meyer) Amundson. Gary grew up in Prairie Farm, where Vern and his brother Gerald owned and operated Amundson's Standard Station and repair shop, Vern also later bought the family farm. From working at the station and on the farm Gary acquired a diversity of knowledge and could fix almost anything. After graduating Prairie Farm High School in 1971 Gary continued working at the station, he also married Charlene Bastian later that year (they divorced in 2000) Gary later met Hedy (Shimon) Gagner and they were married in 2005. In 1976 Gary started working part time in Law Enforcement for the Barron Co. Sheriff's Department and the Village of Almena as a Patrol Officer, while continuing to work as an auto mechanic. In 1979 Gary was hired as full time Police Officer by the Baron Police Department and in 1983 he went to work at the Rice Lake Police Department, where he served as a Patrol Officer, Investigator and Sergeant. Gary also served on both the RLPD and the Barron County Special Response Teams, he was also an Explorer Scout Advisor, Hunter Safety Instructor and Glock Armorer. Gary was also a Union Officer for most of his years at the RLPD and helped to create job descriptions and implement the departments first K-9 and School Liaison Officers, he was also a member of the City's Health Insurance Advisory Board Until he retired from the Department in 2010. After retiring from Law Enforcement Gary built an addition to his house and caught up on his To-Do list, along with driving the City Cab part time. In 2012 he went back to work for the RLPD Part time, doing vehicle and building maintenance until 2015, when he went to work at Advance Auto for a few years before developing physical difficulties from Parkinson's Disease. Gary liked to hunt and fish and made many trips to Canada and Lake of the Woods in his younger years, but after retiring he took up golfing with his neighbors, he also liked watching Football and rarely missed a Packer or Badger game. Gary felt blessed to have come from a big family and loved seeing everyone get together for Holidays and family events.

Gary is survived by his wife Hedy of Rice Lake, a son Christopher (Andrea) Amundson of Sanford, N.C. a daughter Traci (Derek) Newvile of Chetek. Step Children Jennifer (Brad) Larson of Endeavor, Wi. And Blaine Gagner of Madison. A brother Jeff (Patty) Amundson and a sister Margie (Marty) Bergmark, all of Prairie Farm, three grandchildren, four step grandchildren, several brother and sister in law's and many nieces and nephews.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Tom and Roger Amundson; a sister, Linda Moen; brother in law, Gary Moen; a nephew, Adam Moen; mother in law, Ann (Hathaway) Shimon; brother in law, Terry Henck.

Funeral Services will be held at 1PM Saturday, March 16, 2024 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Rice Lake, Rev. Arthur Bergren officiating, with interment in Nora Cemetery in Rice Lake. Visitation will be held from 11AM-1PM Saturday at the Church. Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake is serving and assisting the family with the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please take your loved one out for dinner in memory of Gary.

Last Update: Mar 18, 2024 7:27 am CDT