Gary W. Gurske

Gary Wayne Gurske, age 82, formerly of Iron River, Wisconsin, passed away on January 28, 2026. He was born on December 22, 1943, in Ashland, Wisconsin, to John and Lorraine (Shubert) Gurske.

After graduating from DePadua High School with the Class of 1961, Gary earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point. He went on to serve as a conservation warden supervisor, dedicating his career to protecting natural resources and serving communities throughout the Midwest. Gary met the love of his life, Cathy Stadler, and the two were married shortly thereafter. Though Gary did not have children of his own, he loved and regarded his nieces and nephew as if they were his own children.

Gary was a true protector and defender of all things beautiful—both his family and the natural world around him. He spent nearly all of his professional and personal life outdoors and found deep peace in nature. While living in La Crosse, he served as head of the dive team and devoted countless hours to volunteering for community charities and events, especially Riverfest. Gary formed lasting friendships with fellow officers and game wardens and enjoyed traveling with them to sporting events and gun shows.

More than anything, Gary loved his family and cherished every moment he could spend with his nieces, nephew, and their children.

Gary will be deeply missed by his sister, Gwen (Jim) Jellish; his nieces and nephew, Pamela, Jennifer (Dave), Ross, and Mandy (Jordan); four grandnieces and one grandnephew; one great-grandniece and one great-grandnephew; his brother-in-law, Frank (Jane); his best friends, Tony (Miranda), Tom (Mary), John C., and John P.; and many other extended relatives and dear friends.

Gary was preceded in death by his wife, Cathy, and his parents, John and Lorraine.

In accordance with Gary’s wishes, no funeral service will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a local humane society or by planting a tree in Gary’s name, in honor of the life he lived.

The family extends their sincere gratitude to Sequoia Integrative Medical Services, Teal, NP, and Pam, RN, for their compassionate care and support; to Jill and the entire staff at St. Croix Hospice for their kindness and guidance; and a heartfelt thank you and warm hug to all the staff and friends at Garrow Villa—especially Jocelyn and Vicki—whose care, friendship, and presence meant so much.

Gary’s legacy lives on through the many lives he touched and the natural world he spent his life protecting and loving.