Gary W McKinley

Gary W McKinley

July 16, 1946 - November 28, 2022

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Obituary

FITCHBURG - Gary McKinley passed away peacefully on Monday, Nov. 28, 2022, at the age of 76, reunited in heaven with grandson, Maxwell Peterson, and parents, Jack and Agnes McKinley.


Born in Madison, Gary attended St. James School and Edgewood High School. He married his high school sweetheart, Joanne Bennett, and during their 54 years of happiness the couple was blessed with three children, Debi Peterson, Patrick McKinley (Stacey) and Christine Lucas (Brian); and five grandchildren, Maxwell and Jacob Peterson, Isaac and Austin McKinley and Cayla Lucas.


A machinist by trade for 41 years, Gary was also a Lieutenant in the Fitchburg volunteer fire department. He enjoyed the outdoors, fishing and hunting with the Bennett’s, his brothers, son and grandsons. Gary spent years coaching his children in sports and later in life, enjoyed cheering on his grandchildren in athletic and school activities. Throughout his life he enjoyed traveling with his family across the United States to national and state parks. He spent his retirement camping and hiking with his wife, watching grandkids and volunteering his avid gardening skills in various family members’ yards. Gary’s sense of humor, unending kindness and dedication to his family will be sorely missed by those who loved him.


Family and close friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at GOOD SHEPHERD CATHOLIC PARISH AT ST. JAMES CHURCH, 1128 James Ct., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, with family friend Monsignor Baxter presiding. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Saturday.


The family would like to express their thanks to Beehive Assisted Living, Agrace HospiceCare, Agrace Adult Day Program and Oregon Senior Center Adult Day Program for years of wonderful care and loving attention. His caregivers were angels on earth whose support will not soon be forgotten.


In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. James School and Edgewood High School. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson Fitchburg

Funeral & Cremation Care

2950 Chapel Valley Road

(608) 442-5002



Events

03
Visitation
Sat Dec 3, 2022 @ 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
St. James Catholic Church - Madison • 1128 St, James Ct., Madison, WI null
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03
Mass of Christian Burial
Sat Dec 3, 2022 @ 11:00 AM CDT
St. James Catholic Church - Madison • 1128 St, James Ct., Madison, WI null
Get Directions

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SR
Sue Richards
Other •
Oh Joanne, Kabby and I are so sorry to hear of Gary's passing. I know what a positive and upbeat spirit Gary provided to his friends at CLUB. We wrap you and your family in our thoughts and prayers as we celebrate Gary's memory.
DO
Dale & Betty Otradovec
Other •
May God Bless
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David Rieves
Other •
Dear Joanne, Patrick, Debra, Christine, Dennis, Sharon, John and Families - We are so sorry for your loss. We will remember Gary for his peaceful and calm confidence, steady voice, joyful personality and devotion to his family. We admire your family for the loving care you provided Gary. Sincerely, Dave & Pam
CP
Colleen Potter
Other •
Dear Dennis, I am so sorry to hear this. But I am glad Gary had such a full and happy life before he started to fade away. Unfortunately I know what that is like as my dad had Alzheimer's for some years - in the nursing home for five years. I hope Gary was as happy a person as my dad was, even though he seemed to be someone different and didn't know who we were. God bless Gary and his family. Colleen O'Dea Potter
KV
Kim Kleinheinz Velker
Other •
To my McKinley Family we loved Gary and will miss him. We are praying for you and the rest of the family. We wish we could be with you at this time. We love you all. Kleinheinz/Velker Family
DM
Doug Myers
Other •
Patrick, Stacey, Isaac, Austin, and family our sincere condolences on the passing of Gary.

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