Gary F. Champlin

Gary F. Champlin of Waukesha passed away unexpectedly on Monday, January 9, 2017 at Waukesha Memorial Hospital at the age of 78. He was born in Sparta, WI on August 14, 1938 the son of Frank and Mamie Champlin. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy for four years and the National Guard for three years. Gary was a longtime employee of Harnischfeger in Milwaukee. He was a member of Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church in Waukesha for many years. Gary loved camping, gardening, scuba diving and skiing, but most of all he loved being with his family.

He will be sadly missed by his wife Nelda of Waukesha and their children, Gwen (Joel) Steffen of Chippewa Falls, Kathryn (Dale) Schweitzer of Watertown, Keith (Peggy) Champlin of Mukwonago and Kenneth (Jen) Champlin of Snohomish, WA. He was the proud grandfather of Ashley, Amber, Thomas, Matthew, Eric, Brandon, Austin, Cameron, Mercede, Alalia and Justin and great-grandfather of Cooper. He is further survived by his sisters-in-law Evelyn Oelke of Milwaukee and Loralee Hart of Oklahoma City, OK along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters Marcella, Frances and Shirley.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2017 from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the 1:00 p.m. funeral service at Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church, 1052 Whiterock Ave., Waukesha, WI 53186. Reverend Lawrence Gates will preside. Private interment will be held at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church.