Gary F Mella
November 08, 1957 - February 11, 2020
Obituary
FITCHBURG/MANITOWOC - Gary Francis Mella, age 62, of Fitchburg, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2020, surrounded by his family, at St. Mary's Hospital. He was born on Nov. 8, 1957, in Manitowoc, the son of Leonard and Eunice (Holschbach) Mella. Gary graduated from Lincoln High School in Manitowoc and Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE). He married Terry (Theresa) Johnsen on May 1, 1982.
Gary worked for Bruce Boiler Burner and Equipment, Inc. Prior to that, he worked as an Engineer for Marshall Erdmann & Associates where he made many life-long friends. He enjoyed volunteering as a hunter safety coordinator and instructor. He was an active member of St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church and belonged to the Knights of Columbus.
Gary enjoyed hunting, being outdoors, staying busy with "DIY" home improvement projects, and watching the Badgers and Packers. Most of all, Gary loved spending time with his family & friends. His greatest joy was his granddaughter.
Gary is survived by his wife, Terry; children, Kimberly Mella, Kaitlyn (Brian) Mella-Schmidt and Grant Mella; granddaughter, Genevieve Schmidt; brother, Glenn (Cass) Mella; sister, Monica Mella Schmidt; mother-in-law, Carolyn Johnsen (Donald) Walske; sister-in-law, Julie (Gerry) Maslanka; brothers-in-law, Steven (Dawn) Johnsen and Dennis (Brenda) Johnsen; nieces and nephews; and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Alden Johnsen; nephew, Bryan Zipperer; and special friends, Fred Moll and Thomas Shultz.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. MARIA GORETTI CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5313 Flad Ave., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2020, with Father Patrick Norris presiding. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 2950 Chapel Valley Rd., Fitchburg, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, and also at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Wednesday. Burial will be held at a later date.
The family also wishes to thank their St. Mary’s Hospital Family. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson Fitchburg
Funeral & Cremation Care
2950 Chapel Valley Rd.
(608) 442-5002
Events
Visitation
Tue Feb 18, 2020 @ 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Fitchburg • 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, WI 53711
Visitation
Wed Feb 19, 2020 @ 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church • 5313 Flad Ave, Madison, WI null
Mass of Christian Burial
Wed Feb 19, 2020 @ 11:00 AM CDT
St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church • 5313 Flad Ave, Madison, WI null
Photos
No photos of Gary have been shared yet.
Memories
JN
jeff nania
Other •
Gary was a wonderful guy, this is a great loss not only to family and friends but to the whole community.
J
jkarch@tds.net
Other •
Gary was such a dedicated Hunter Safety Instructor and led his group of Volunteers with passion and commitment to help promote Hunter Safety. His knowledge and leadership will be missed.
Gary trained hundreds of youth and young adults.
J.Karcher
JP
John Plenke
Other •
Gary was a fine gentleman and an excellent hunter safety instructor. He has impacted many lives in a positive way. His legacy will be remembered for many years. You have made a difference my friend. I will miss you!
-John Plenke (retired DNR Recreational Safety Warden, Germantown, WI)
DP
Dave Pagel
Other •
Though I have had no contact with Gary since high school in Manitowoc, I remember him as very easy to get to know...and like. My condolences to the family....Dave Pagel, Carrollton, TX.
LW
Larry J Walters
Other •
I have so many wonderful memories of Gary. I enjoyed going to the Green Bay Packers Share Holders meeting with Gary.
EB
Edward Brummel
Other •
I met Gary and his son while my son Ben and I were apprenticing to be hunter safety instructors way back when our boys were just junior instructors in the Waunakee teaching group. They were so encouraging to us. Gary recently helped out and was checking out how the Madison group operates it's one day Field day course. He was super to work with and I was looking forward to doing more classes with him. He was great with the students and the adults. We are so sorry to hear of his passing and will keep Gary in our thoughts and prayers. Ed Brummel, HS instructor and fellow KC member from Middleton.