Gary Edward Heyel

Gary Edward Heyel went home to be with God on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at age 71.

He was born January 18, 1952 to Edward and Betty Heyel in Glidden, WI, and was the younger brother to Darlene (Lynn Paulson). He graduated from Glidden High School then followed in his father’s footsteps by joining the US Navy in 1971 where he served aboard the USS Edson Destroyer in the Pacific off the VietNam coast. Upon returning home he began his long career in the water and sewer construction industry and married the love of his life, Darlene “Dar” Heyel (nee Look) on August 23, 1980 before settling in New Berlin and raising a family of three sons-Shane, Brad and Brian.

Trips back up north to Glidden for hunting, fishing and looking after the Heyel homestead throughout the years helped Gary maintain not only family ties but also many friendships dating back to his childhood. Outside of his working life, Gary loved keeping busy, loved the outdoors and staying active and dedicating much of his time to helping family, friends, Holy Apostles Church and Veteran organizations, including his local VFW post, American Legion and VA Hospital. In this sense, from his days in the Navy onwards, Gary lived a life of service to others and will be deeply missed in that regard. He brought joy to everyone he came into contact with through his natural ability to make friends with just about anyone.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his wife, Darlene; sister Darlene (Lynne) Paulson; children Shane (Cheryl) Heyel, Brad Heyel (Sunny Ann), Brian (Melanie) Heyel; grandchildren Matthew, Audra, Lila, Alegra, Mariela and Sofia. Also nephews Edward and Philip; niece Anne; step-grandchildren Phillip Uebe and Rachael McGaughey; grand-nephews Logan and Noah; grand-nieces Emma, Brooke, Madeline and Grace. He will be dearly missed by many other extended family and friends who loved him.

Visitation at Krause Funeral Home, 12401 West National Avenue, New Berlin, Wisconsin on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, followed by an open mic session for those who wish to say a few words or share a memory about Gary.

Additional visitation at Holy Apostles Catholic Church, 16000 West National Avenue, New Berlin, Wisconsin on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 11:45 AM. Funeral Mass at 12:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be sent to Fisher House Wisconsin or Doc Dentice Christmas for Vets.