VERONA - Gary L. Behr, age 79, of Verona, passed away on Monday, December 8, 2025 at VA CLC Hospice Care. He was born on July 20, 1946, in Milwaukee, Wis., the son of Erhard and Helen (Shonts) Behr. He married Linda Raemisch on December 31, 1975, at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church in Madison. They were married 42 years before Linda's passing.

In 1964, Gary graduated from Brown Deer High School, where a professor mentored him in photography and journalism, giving Gary an early start to his later life-long passions and professions. Gary began photographing high school football games on a 4" x 5" camera and developing them in the campus darkroom. Gary was a dedicated learner and loved sharing and teaching his knowledge and expertise whenever he could.

Gary enlisted in the military twice. He served as a helicopter pilot, paratrooper, race relations and equal opportunities instructor, photographer, and journalist. He even had the privilege of flying foreign dignitaries. He was awarded the following honors: national defense service medal, good conduct medal, parachute badge, expert badge rifle M-14, and expert badge rifle M-16. As a civilian, Gary and his wife owned and operated Expressive Images photography studio in Verona and later in Madison, as well as Wendt Studio in Stoughton. (1978-2002) Together they created high quality studio, aerial, and on-location photography for private and commercial clients. Gary was an inspired designer and copious writer. He authored "Firearms Fundamentals," which was filled with a wealth of highly detailed information and illustrations, as well as a plethora of other writings. Gary was also an MATC photography instructor and a private conceal and carry instructor. Gary even found time to work in retail environments, serve as a Melaluca representative, and act as a notary public.

Gary volunteered on multiple political campaigns. He served as a WPTV fundraising host and donated photography services as donor gifts. As a local business owner, he was a member of the Verona Chamber of Commerce. While serving on the Verona City Council, he was instrumental, with others, in establishing Verona's local access channel, VHAT, which is still active today. Gary was a proud member of the NRA as well as a member of the Oregon gun club and shooting range. Since Gary was a very humble man, there are likely many other endeavors he took part in.

Gary enjoyed motorcycling, piloting small engine planes, stunt piloting, sky diving, scuba diving, gun collecting, target shooting, constructing and repairing items in his workshop, playing piano, shooting pool, reading adventures and detective mysteries, watching westerns and crime solving shows, listening to 40s pop music, being a good neighbor and true friend to many, and giving great "Behr" hugs.

Gary was always highly motivated to graciously and generously meet the needs of others. He truly gave 100%, and his spirit of excellence exceeded everyone's expectations. It was so befitting that Gary got to spend his last days in the VA CLC hospice care unit because he always felt like the VA was his home away from home and the other vets were his extended family. He loved to encourage them at every opportunity. Gary continuously praised and thanked all the VA staff profusely. At the top of his gratitude list was his devoted oncologist, Dr. Sam Rotter. Thank you, Dr. Sam, for your completely dedicated attention to all aspects of Gary's life and departure. You're amazing!

Gary is survived by Blackie and Flash, Gary and Linda's last two kids (cats); sister-in-law, Kathy Hofmann; brother-in-law, Christopher Hofmann; nephew, Frederic Hofmann, and niece, Anna Hofmann; aunt-in-law, Carol (Rodenschmit) Spencer; Gary's unofficial adoptive family, Ron, Mary, Kimberly, and Jessica Koopman; neighbor, Mary Fritz, and her daughters, Arianna and Anna, who helped care for his cats. He was preceded in death by Linda (Raemisch) Behr, his most precious wife of 42 years to whom he was extremely devoted and lovingly referred to as "my girl;” Mary Ellen and Charles Raemisch, Linda's parents who Gary regarded and loved as though they were his own parents; Scamp, a beautiful Siamese and the first of many cats Gary and Linda doted on as their very own beloved "kids."

A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, at 4 p.m. on Friday, January 9, 2026. It will be followed by a celebration of life and light refreshments at the funeral home until 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Gary's, Linda's, and all of their cat's cremains will be commingled and laid to rest under a carpet of wild flowers beneath a large oak tree in a nature preserve on private property.

Please make any gifts payable to Angel's Wish Pet Adoption and Resource Center in Verona, Wis. (www.angelswish.org) Gary and Linda partnered with this organization, which helps people in the Madison area adopt and foster cats and kittens. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Fitchburg

Funeral & Cremation Care

2950 Chapel Valley Road

(608) 442-5002

Gary Lloyd Behr

July 20, 1946 - December 08, 2025

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