MADISON - Gerald Ray “Gary” Harter, age 85, of Madison, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, Jan. 15, 2024. He was born on Nov. 18, 1938, in Rochelle, Ill., the son of Donald and Eunice (Draper) Harter.

Gary graduated from Rochelle Township High School. He was united in marriage to Nancy Ragnar on Feb. 20, 1961, in Colorado Springs, Colo., where he was stationed as an Airman 2nd Class. During the next four years Gary and Nancy had three sons. They traveled together to Germany in 1965 for three years. Gary was then stationed at DaNang Air Base in Vietnam. After his military service, Gary worked as an automobile appraiser and eventually started his own company, Collison Appraisal. He sported one of the first car phones!

Gary loved fishing and tent camping with the family when the kids and then grandkids were young. He was an avid reader and gardener and was part of the gardening community. He enjoyed participating in Bridge Club with his friends. Later in life, Gary learned to play cello!

For many years, Gary and Nancy attended American Players Theatre in the summer. They looked forward to their Spring Green get aways and saw every play offered, sometimes twice. One of Gary’s favorites was Shakespeare’s The Tempest.

Gary and Nancy spent Friday and Saturday nights during the Badgers hockey season watching the game replayed on WHA/PBS with a big bag of home popped corn. Winter was also jigsaw puzzle season. They always had a puzzle in progress near the downstairs fireplace.

In Wisconsin fashion, Gary appreciated the neighborhood taverns and met a number of good friends over the years. This social time came after he’d gotten his daily walk in, usually around the neighborhood. He belonged to the nearby gym so he wouldn’t miss his walk when the weather was risky.

Gary and Nancy belonged to a beautiful community of neighbors. Some turned into lifelong friendships. Gary was set on doing his own lawn mowing and snow shoveling. Recently, when he finally realized it was too much for him, a kind neighbor stepped in. Gary’s family is forever grateful for the caring and kindness of their neighbors, even those who moved away but stayed close!

Gary is survived by his sons, John Michael Harter and another son (who wishes privacy for himself and his family); daughter-in-law, Liese Harter; grandchildren, Allison (Juan) Cabrera and Kevin Harter; and great-granddaughter, Laura Cabrera. He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Nancy; parents, Donald and Eunice; son, Todd; and brother, Darrel.

A celebration of life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 2 p.m. until 3:45 p.m. on Friday, March 8, 2024. Military honors will conclude the gathering at 3:45 p.m.

Memorials may be gifted in Gary’s name to Monona Public Library.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Gerald Ray "Gary" Harter

November 18, 1938 - January 15, 2024

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