Gerald “Gary” Allen Youso, 72, Kekoskee, Wisconsin

February 17, 1945 - January 6, 2018

Gerald “Gary” Allen Youso, of Kekoskee, Wisconsin, passed away on Saturday, January 6th, 2018, surrounded by family and friends after having faced cancer with unparalleled grace and endurance.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. John’s Abbey Church (31802 County Road 159 Collegeville, MN, 56321) at 11 am on Saturday, January 13, 2018. Burial will be immediately after the service at St. John’s Abbey Cemetery. The family will welcome friends and relatives during the visitation on Saturday morning at the church beginning at 9:30 am.

Born in Foley, Minnesota, on February 17, 1945, Gary attended St. John’s Preparatory School and St. John’s University, where he earned his bachelor’s degrees in history and languages. He played college football and baseball, and was a standout linebacker on the 1963 National Championship team. After college, he was drafted by the Oakland Raiders, but declined, preferring to focus his attention on his young family and his education. He subsequently earned his Master’s in Education and Masters in Business Administration. Following his education, Gary succeeded at business management at International Multifoods for 10 years. In 1979, he started his own company that today remains a thriving, family-owned business.

Gary loved the Green Bay Packers and St. John’s college football. He was an avid clock collector and history buff. He believed strongly in education and life-long learning. He appreciated nature and spent much leisure time planting trees, feeding birds, and walking in his treasured Horicon Marsh. Jovial, spirited, and generous, Gary was a scholar, an athlete, an astute businessman, a world-traveler, and a beloved, respected man, held in high esteem by both family and friends alike. He left an indelible imprint on our lives and will be greatly missed.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Severyn and Irene (Henry) Youso, and his former wife, Roberta Ford. He is survived by his fiancé, Gloria West; 4 children, Bernie (Jessica) Youso, Beth (Bob) Reinhardt, Meredith Youso, Kate (Jeremiah) Power; 8 grandchildren, Cece, Alex, Bree and Bentley Youso, Jack, Matt and Mark Reinhardt, and River Ellis. 6 brothers and sisters, Bette Jayne (Louis) Haak, Severin (Julie) Youso, Jr., Luverne (Tony) Molberg, Ron (Mary Ann) Youso, Joan (John) Wisniewski and Cathy (Dave) Mumma.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Kekoskee-Williamstown Historical Society, ℅ Joyce Roll, W3227 County Road TW, Mayville, WI, 53050.