COTTAGE GROVE - Gary Joseph Ferron, age 71, passed away peacefully at home in Fort Atkinson on Tuesday, May 24, 2022, after a lengthy and hard-fought battle against cancer. He was born on Nov. 9, 1950, in Algoma, Wis., the son of Harold and Ruby Mercier Ferron.

Gary graduated from Algoma High School in 1970 and continued his education at UW-Oshkosh. While at Oshkosh he pledged into the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity and spent a couple years playing the part of the original Tommy Titan mascot before graduating in 1974 with a degree in urban and regional studies and minor in geography. He worked his entire career with the State of Wisconsin in a variety of roles before retiring in 2006. He spent his early years working for the Employment and Training division of the Department of Workforce Development in the Stevens Point area. Later he transferred to the role of state inspector at assisted living homes in southern Wisconsin.

Gary's love of geography led him to become a world traveler and he enjoyed taking trips both solo and with his partner, Leann. He was a very civic minded person and whenever Gary would travel though small towns, he would check out the town library. Gary also enjoyed biking, swimming and running and completed multiple triathlons. He loved watching a wide variety of sports and was a season ticket holder for Badgers sports. Gary was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, Delta Sigma Phi fraternity, Mendota Gridiron Club, Dane County Library Board and Friends of the Cottage Grove Library.

Gary had the ability to make friends wherever he went and developed many lifelong friendships. He remained connected to groups of college friends, work friends, and friends from his years living in the Stevens Point area and Cottage Grove. Gary's zest for life and good nature will be missed by all who knew him.

Gary is survived by his partner, Leann Fox. Gary is missed by his brother, Dan Ferron; niece, Anne (Jon) Motquin; and nephews Jeff (JoAnne) Ferron and John Ferron. Missing him also are his great-nephews and great-niece, Bryce Motquin, Ryan Ferron and Emily Ferron. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Ruby Ferron; and his sister-in-law, Patricia Ferron.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. PATRICK CATHOLIC CHURCH, 434 N. Main St., Cottage Grove, at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 10, 2022. A light lunch will be provided after the Mass in the church fellowship hall. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Friday.

Memorials may be gifted in Gary’s name to the Cottage Grove Library Fund or UW-Oshkosh Foundation Inc. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Gary Joseph Ferron

November 09, 1950 - May 24, 2022

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