Gary Steven Close
Gary Steven Close, 77, Boyd, and formerly of Cornell, passed away Monday, Aug. 12, 2024, at Aspirus Stanley Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.
Gary was born Oct. 1, 1946, to Frank and Verona (Ginder) Close, in Eau Claire.
He graduated from North High School in 1965. Gary joined the U.S Army in 1966, and served his country during the Vietnam War. During his two-year deployment away, he earned three Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star.
Gary married Barbara “Barb” Stewart, June 4, 1977.
Together, they raised four children – Steven, Melissa, Jamie and Paul.
He adored his family and loved spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. He would travel all over, just to talk to his friends and family. He enjoyed hunting, but during hunting season, what he looked forward to the most, was seeing his family and spending time with them.
Throughout his life, Gary had a passion for everything related to farming, from working in the fields, to fixing tractors and watching the crops grow. His work on the farm later led him to construction, where he spent several years driving dump trucks. He retired from Haas and Sons Construction Company.
He is survived by his loving wife – Barb; his children – Melissa (Brian) Zwiefelhofer, Jamie Close (Renee Odonnell) and Paul (Natalie) Close; his grandchildren – Trenton, Tyler (Danielle), Teryn, Sierra, Britain, Paige, Saylor, Devin, Mason, Hailey, Ayden and Neveya; one great-grandson – Rowan; sister – Marlene Chambers; daughter-in-law – Laura Close; and many other family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents – Frank and Verona Close; his son – Steven Close; brother – Richard Close; and his mother and father-in-law – Harold and Ester Stewart.
Gary will be deeply missed by his family, and by everyone who knew and loved him.
Visitation will be held Sunday, Aug. 18, from 3-7 p.m., at Borton-Leiser Funeral Home in Cornell. Services will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, Aug. 19, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, with Pastor Chris Christenson officiating.
Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the service, from 10-11 a.m., at the church.
The family wishes to thank the emergency department staff at Aspirus Hospital in Stanley, and the Boyd Edson Delmar Ambulance Service, for their care and compassion.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.bortonleiserfuneralhome. com. Borton-Leiser Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Cornell, is assisting the family.
