Gary B. Ertel, age 79, of Hillpoint, Wisconsin, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, June 25, 2026. He was born on August 25, 1946, in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, the son of William and Shirley (Lewig) Ertel. On May 14, 1966, he married Doris Olson at Seneca Methodist Church. Together they built a life centered on family, service, hard work, and love.

Gary was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, neighbor, firefighter, coach, referee, mentor, fisherman, beekeeper, maple syrup maker, woodworker, and lifelong learner. He had a natural curiosity about the world around him and was rarely content to sit still for long. Whether he was working with his bees, making maple syrup, gardening, woodworking, fishing, helping with a project, or repairing something that needed attention, Gary found joy in keeping busy and learning as he went. Those who knew him best often felt there was almost nothing Gary could not figure out or fix. If something broke, he would study it, improvise if he had to, and find a way to get the job done.

Family was the center of Gary's life. He was deeply proud of his children and grandchildren, not only for their accomplishments but for the kind of people they had become. He admired their willingness to help others, their courage to try new things, and their desire to make a difference in their own communities. He loved attending his grandchildren's activities and could often be found cheering from the stands or sidelines at soccer games, basketball games, volleyball matches, wrestling meets, softball games, trap shoots, and countless other events. He especially loved watching his grandsons play soccer and his granddaughters play basketball.

Gary loved his country and was proud to be an American. He was especially proud of his sons for their military service to America. Their service reflected values that mattered deeply to him throughout his life: dedication, responsibility, sacrifice, commitment, and service to something greater than oneself.

Gary was known for his patience, kindness, and gentle sense of humor. He loved a good joke or prank, usually giving himself away with a twinkle in his eye before the punchline arrived. His quiet, contagious laugh and easy smile brought joy to those around him. He was always careful in his teasing, never wanting anyone to feel hurt or left out.

For more than 40 years, Gary served as a volunteer with the Hillpoint Volunteer Fire Department and helped establish Hillpoint EMS alongside Doris and other community members. Through his service, he touched countless lives, mentoring younger firefighters and first responders while demonstrating compassion, calmness under pressure, and a commitment to helping others.

Gary believed deeply in service to others. He was always willing to lend a hand, whether plowing a driveway, helping with repairs, caring for a neighbor's animals, or simply showing up when someone needed support. He and Doris often spoke about how blessed they were to live in a community where neighbors looked out for one another, and they were proud to see those same values carried forward by their children and grandchildren.

He loved Christmas, family gatherings, good stories, laughter, and desserts—especially desserts. He was happiest when surrounded by the people he loved.

Gary showed his love freely. Every phone call ended with, “Love you.” He offered hugs, a hand on the shoulder, a favorite treat, flowers, practical help, encouragement, and steady support. He taught those around him to work hard, care deeply, help others, and never give up.

Gary is survived by his wife, Doris; his children, Jason (Tanja) Ertel, Jarrod (Dawn) Ertel, and Jocelynn (Jeff) Wilson; his international exchange daughters, Helena Hornborg and Baktygul Kadyralieva; his grandchildren, Kailey, Bowyn, Bryn, Gavin, Xavien, Justin, Christopher, Karolin, and Jasmine; his brother, John (Gail) Ertel; his stepbrother, Terry (Kathy) Sime; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, William Ertel, and his mother, Shirley Carr.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorials of remembrance may be made in honor of Gary Ertel to the Hillpoint Volunteer Fire Department.