Gary P. Karcz Sr., 73, Crandon and formerly of Pulaski, died unexpectedly Sunday, January 15, 2023. He died a happy man: his grandsons were up north fishing with him and the tip-ups were in the water.

The son of Peter and Esther (Nowak) Karcz was born October 24, 1949, and was a 1967 graduate of Pulaski High School. After graduation, he served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War, from 1968 until his honorable discharge on March 13, 1972. On April 24, 1971, he married Robyn Varalli at Assumption B.V.M. Church in Pulaski. The couple made their home in Pulaski, where they raised their family and were active members of the community.

Gary had been employed as a mechanic at Leicht Transfer & Storage for 28 years. After his retirement, he drove a white van/bus for the Pulaski Community School District for 10 years. It was a job he loved, and the kids sure loved him back! Gary coached basketball at Assumption B.V.M. Elementary School in Pulaski, as well as coaching girls and boys varsity basketball at Pulaski High School. He also coached youth baseball and softball. He spent countless hours in the gym or at the ball diamond or football field supporting his children and grandchildren, and all of their friends. In 2019, Gary and Robyn moved into their dream home on Lake Metonga in Crandon, where they enjoyed the company of family and friends. He could often be found sitting in his boat or on his tractor, or raking the beach.

Survivors include his wife, Robyn and their five children: Chris (Staci) Karcz and their family, Bennett, Kendall, Madelynn, and Elliott; Jenny (Mike) Egan and their family, Emily, Lizzie, and Aedan; Amy (Jason) McKeefry and their family, Jarron, Landen, Kammron, and McKenna; Angela (Shawn) Krueger and their family, Addison, Jack, and Sofia; and Gary Jr. (Ashley) Karcz and their family, Mya and Shay. He is further survived by his brothers: Dennis (Linda) Karcz and Duane (Elaine) Karcz; and his sisters: Bonnie Chlopek, Darlene (Craig) Garbrecht, Shirley (Pat) Kapla, and Janice (Terry) Cayemberg; Robyn's sisters: Corinne (Jim) Richie and Sherri (Paul) Oswald; many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Esther Karcz; two brothers-in-law: Charlie Chlopek and Mike Sikorski; his in-laws, Angelo and Myrtle Varalli; a nephew, Gary Richie; and a niece, DaNelle Hocking

Friends are invited to gather with family at Assumption B.V.M. Church, 119 E. Pulaski St., Pulaski, on Thursday, January 19, from 4-7 p.m. with a parish wake service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue from 9-11 a.m. Friday at the church. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. with Fr. James Gannon, O.F.M. presiding. Military honors rendered by the Pulaski Area Veterans will follow at the church.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Erica Neilitz and the Crandon First Responders for their quick response and kind, caring support. Memorial Gifts will be donated in Gary's name to the Wounded Warrior Project.

The Funeral Mass will be livestreamed on the parish Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/Assumption-BVM-St-Stanislaus-St-Casimir-Parish-Family-89119956934

To leave a condolence for the Karcz family please visit www.marnochafuneralhome.com or the Marnocha Funeral Home Facebook page.

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