Gary Wimmer

Gary Wayne Wimmer (aka Gator) passed away on March 15 at St. Paul Elder Care Hospice in Kaukauna Wi after a short illness, surrounded by friends and family.

Gary was born March 5, 1955 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, to parents Mary (Nelson) Wimmer Goldman and Stanley Wimmer. Gary graduated from Green Bay West High School and swiftly kick-started his career in industrial transportation, following in the footsteps of his father at C&NW RR and brother at the Milwaukee RR.  His union brothers on the track and in the car departments gave him the nickname “Sledge”, emblematic of his tough, no-nonsense “get it done” personality. He married Sue Paul in 1974. Together, they were the proud parents of Jason. He later was promoted to a role at Wisconsin Central railroad. In the late 80s, Gary moved to Menasha, Wisconsin, where he has resided the past 35 years.

Gary’s talent for transportation served him well at Hoida Lumber and then driving a cement truck around northeastern Wisconsin to build infrastructure still in service today. He lived as a modern rough rider. He loved watching western movies on the television and in another life, might very well have been lured to the range like the cowboys of yesterday. Gary’s favorite experiences involved being outside and deer hunting with his brothers and his son, Jason. He loved being “up nort” with his crew, especially when finishing out deer hunting week with the Decleene family, Jason and his brothers near Dyckesville, Wisconsin.

In his retirement years, Gary enjoyed holding court at the City Limits in Menasha, where he was known as “Gator” by his many friends and the proprietor, Dave Seidl, who enjoyed his humor and his direct commentary. Gary cultivated friendships and relationships with many who knew him, relationships that were as strong and capable as the big machinery he operated in life. Even in his final days, he enjoyed meaningful visits with his brother and sister and his lifelong friends Kevin Ness and Jon Decleene, where he spoke of his strong belief and comfort that he was being delivered by God’s capable hands.

Gary is survived by his girlfriend Sue Dickerson, his brothers Mark (Ruth) of Green Bay, David (Diane) of West Bend and Paul of Tuscon, Arizona, as well as sisters Kim Glassbrook of Tuscon, Arizona, and Sharon Reif of Winneconne, along with many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and his son, Jason.