Gary Raether

Gary P. Raether sadly passed away on August 15, 2022 just three weeks after cancer diagnosis.  Gone too soon, he was dear husband of his liebe shon Karen (nee Curler); proud loving father to daughter Trisha (Andy) Hollander; adoring Opa to grandson Oscar Hollander; and precious beloved son to parents Gerald and Nancy Raether, all who live in Waukesha.

Gary was a journeyman for Wisconsin Sheet Metal Workers Local 18, working hard for 30 years.  Although only 65 years old, Gary was retired for 10 years and thankfully able to check off most of his bucket list. He was happy in his retirement world.

Those who knew Gary will remember his recent passions for all things safe and organic. He painstakingly developed three huge gardens where woods used to be and where he planted vegetables, beans, fruits and an orchard. In addition, he planned to preserve what he reaped by canning and preparing for the future. In recent years, Gary also raised and processed chickens, ducks and geese. He was a true farmer – just like his grandparents before him. He was a history buff as well, and very proud of his German heritage.

A man of many interests, Gary researched ad nauseam. He worked with his hands throughout his life: creating stained glass art, woodworking, carpentry, sheet metal work, logging trees, chopping firewood, plowing, planting, reaping, processing. Add to that his time-consuming firearms business and we can all honestly say he was a busy man!

We’ll all sure remember Gary’s unique sense of humor and animated expressions when he talked.  Yes, he’ll be so very sorely missed. Auf wiedersehen liebling. Prost!

The family will be donating memorials received to charities that reflect Gary’s gardening and agricultural interests.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 23, 2022 at Krause Funeral Home, 21600 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin starting at 3:30 PM. Service to follow at 6:15 PM. Interment will be held privately at Prairie Home Cemetery in Waukesha.