Gary J. Hennen

Gary J. Hennen, age 81, of Sheboygan, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on March 3, 1944, in Sheboygan to the late Raymond and Myrtle (Smith) Hennen.

Gary was a graduate of Sheboygan South High School, Class of 1962. On November 27, 1965, he married the love of his life, Patricia Karch, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Together, they built a life filled with love, family, and cherished memories.

He was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing, hunting, and camping with family and friends. A devoted family man, Gary was deeply involved in his children’s lives, coaching their sports teams and serving as a troop leader. As a grandfather, he was his grandchildren’s biggest cheerleader, never missing a sporting event or school activity. For over 50 years, Gary was an active member of Elks Lodge #299, where he formed many wonderful friendships.

Gary retired from Prudential Insurance after 30 years of dedicated service to his clients. Retirement didn’t slow him down, though he took on what he liked to call his playtime, part-time job at Whistling Straits Golf Course, where he happily swapped insurance knowledge for golf carts, good company, and plenty of laughs.

Gary is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 60 years, Pat; their children, Michelle (Thomas) Roenitz, Kristin (Ryan) DeMolli, Steven (Amy Wecker) Hennen, and Jason (Galina Vassileva) Hennen; and his cherished grandchildren, Thomas, Michael (fiancé Alivia Hundt), and Natalie Roenitz; Benjamin and Nathan Weimer; Katelyn and Alexa Hennen; and Isabella, Addison, and Elizabeth Hennen. He is further survived by his brother-in-law Robert Wagner, and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Clarence (Lillian), Raymond (Barbara), Gladys (Henry) Hamus, and Deloris (Harry) Bemis; his mother and father-in-law, Eleanor and Kenneth Blecha; and sisters-in-law, Connie (Jack) Burkhardt and Nancy Wagner.

A celebration of life will be held at the Elks Lodge, located at 1943 Erie Ave., Sheboygan, on Saturday, March 15, from 1 PM to 3 PM.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established for the American Heart Association in Gary’s name.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the St. Nicholas ER staff for their compassionate care.