Gary Lee Cotanch, age 85, of Poy Sippi, died peacefully on Monday, June 2, 2025, at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah.
He was born July 14, 1939, in Berlin, WI, the son of Dale and Florence Selle Cotanch. Gary was a 1957 graduate of Weyauwega High School. On June 10, 1961, he was united in marriage to Beverly Quimby.
Gary worked for the Wisconsin State Highway Department for 39 years. He kept Highway 49 in Waushara County clear of snow and ice in the winter and mowed the roadsides throughout the county. He took pride in keeping the roads safe. Gary was known as “49er” to many in the area because you could always find him “working hard” on the road. He also drove a milk truck for a number of years. Gary enjoyed listening to polka music, sitting in his garage watching the cars go by and waving at his neighbors. His greatest joy was mowing his lawn and keeping it immaculate. Gary was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Redgranite.