Gary Alan

Bertsch

Gary Bertsch, 87, of Seymour, WI, passed away on November 6, 2026, at Mayo Clinic Health System – Eau Claire Hospital, surrounded by his family.

Gary was born on May 4, 1939, in Paterson, New Jersey, to Gerald and Lois. He grew up in Haskell, New Jersey, and attended Butler High. In 1956, he moved to Wisconsin and began a career in maintenance. Gary married Nancy in Eau Claire, and together they started a family, welcoming their children Terri Jo, Colin, Joel, and Chris. He later married Suzanne, and their family grew to include Angela and Beth Ann.

Gary served as maintenance manager at Land-O-Lakes for 39 years, followed by five years at Nestle, before retiring in 1995.

Gary was a practical joker at heart, and everyone who knew him learned to expect a good prank. He loved classic cars, rarely missed the area’s “Back to the 50’s” car shows, and he treasured his time fishing and hunting. Above all, he will be remembered for his big, warm hugs. Gary never hesitated to tell the people he loved that he loved them, and he said it often, usually followed by his signature hug.

Gary is survived by his siblings, Gerard “Roddy” Bertsch of Colorado Springs, CO, Carol Lee Wall of Boring, OR, Barry (Cheryl) Bertsch of Eau Claire, WI and Karl “Mav” (Joan) Bertsch of Hanover, PA; his children, Terri Jo Geissler of Neenah, WI, Colin (Angela) Bertsch of Colfax, WI, Joel Bertsch of Altoona, WI, Chris (Shannon) Bertsch of Eau Claire, WI, Angela (Darrick) Heitman of Lake City, MN, and Beth Ann Hickey of Eau Claire, WI; his grandchildren, Gary (Tiffany) Geissler, Jennifer (Nester) Cisneros, Callie (Rob) Barlow, Jillian Zimmerman, Monica (Chris) Sweeney, Tyler Bertsch, Nathan Bertsch, Briella Bertsch, ChrisDee (Jesse) Kuck, Brittany Bertsch, Taylor (Freddie) Rolstad, Ethan (Jaidyn) Heitman, Seth Heitman, Madilyn Hickey, Henry Hickey; and many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, along with a few lifelong friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Lois, and his best friend, Tom Wheatman.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 20, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home (814 First Avenue) Eau Claire, WI. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Community Table at  https://www.thecommunitytable.org in Eau Claire,  where Gary spent many holidays serving those less fortunate whenever he was able. The family would like to thank Mayo Clinic Health System – Eau Claire Hospital for their compassionate care.