Gary D. Schaller

     Gary Dean Schaller, 58, of Sparta, died March 25, 2017, after a short battle with cancer. He was born May 17, 1958 to David and Irene (Thielker) Schaller.  Most of his childhood years, he lived in Bangor WI until moving to Sparta in 1972.  He graduated from Sparta High School. He married Dawn Edmison and had two daughters. 

     Gary spent most of his time working for his dad at the Wonder bar. He then bought the bar from his dad. After many years running his business, he sold it. 

     Gary went to work at Rockland Flooring and Century Foods, until a massive heart attack almost took his life. He was given a second chance with the wonderful care from Mayo, where he had an LVAD implanted. This made a huge impact on Gary’s life having to carry this machine with him 24 hours a day.  He made the best of the situation and named his machine Electra his girlfriend, because “she” owned his heart. Gary was grateful and took pride in educating people and being a volunteer for Mayo to expand the service. He requested that his machine be donated to help others get a second chance.

     Gary took up knitting hats and scarves which he would donate to different organizations, to give back. He also enjoyed playing pool, watching the packers, cooking and baking for his daughters and friends and making jokes anytime the opportunity presented itself with a Gary smile. 

     Gary is survived by his daughters Jessica Schaller (Erik) and Meranda Schaller (Kyle), 4 grandchildren, Austin, Ella, Dakota and Addyson, his mother, Irene Schaller, his siblings, Jeff(Donna)Schaller, Rick Schaller, Lori (Harry) Oesterle, Scott Schaller, Cheryl(Bob) Nichols and Brenda(Gus)Elsen and brother in law David Abbott, also many nieces and nephews.

     Gary was preceded in death by his father, David; a sister, Debra Abbott; and a brother, Mike.

     A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 30, 2017 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home, Sparta.

     Family and friends are invited to call from 11 a.m. until time of services on Thursday at the funeral home. 

     The Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.  

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