Gary Schmidtke

Gary Dean Schmidtke, age 68 of Montello passed away peacefully after a long battle on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Gary was born in Madison on October 2, 1956 to Kendal and Jean (Shaffer) Schmidtke. Gary and Judy made Montello their permanent home in 1991. Together they had a successful sign business and enjoyed all the area had to offer. Gary enjoyed cooking, along with cooking he also was a turkey and deer hunter. He was able to find a blood trail with his eyes closed. One of his favorite passions was fishing, he was known as the fish whisperer. He would point to where you need to cast and you would end up catching the biggest fish of your life. Gary loved to introduce and teach his ways of fishing to his grandchildren. He will be remembered for this love and passion for both his family and the great outdoors.

Gary is survived by his life partner and loving companion of over 50 years, Judy Stansbury and one daughter, Tami (Mike Nelson) Stansbury of Montello along with two very special grandchildren: Devin and Trista Nelson. He is also survived by his siblings: Barb (Glenn Wolfe) Schmidtke, Jim, Steve (Julie), Ken and Kathy (Robert) Khalar as well as many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and many special friends that came to visit and check up on him.

Gary is preceded in death by his daughter, Lisa Stansbury and both of his parents.

A Celebration of Gary Schmidtke’s Life will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2024 from 1:00 until 5:00 PM at American Legion Post #351, W3008 State Road 23, Montello. Donations would be appreciated to the family.

Crawford Funeral and Cremation Service of Montello and Oxford is honored to be serving the family. www.CrawfordFH.com