Gary L Stryhn, age 75, a resident of Manitowoc, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 10, 2023 at St. Mary’s Nursing Home, surrounded by family after a long battle with heart disease.
Gary was born on April 11, 1948 in Stoughton, WI, son of the late Rodger and Betty (Schulz) Stryhn, of Brooklyn, WI. He attended Brooklyn High School and served in the United States Army as a chaplain’s assistant and tank operator while stationed in Germany. Upon return, Gary met Sharon L. Nelson, the love of his life, and they married on August 28, 1972. They lived in Dayton, WI for four years before returning to Manitowoc in 1976 to begin raising their family. Gary worked as a TV repairman for Mel’s TV for many years before beginning his career at St. Mary’s Home and Felician Village, where he served as the Director of Plant Operations until his retirement in the spring of 2016. He had many different passions, but many will remember him for his amazing voice. Entertaining audiences for many years as Gary Lee, he played in many different venues and brought laughter and joy to everyone who heard him sing. Gary was also an incredible husband, father and grandfather. Nothing brought him more joy than spending time with his family and watching his family grow through the years. He was always caring, compassionate, understanding and teaching those around him each and every day. He also had a love of photography and capturing the moment, especially at family events and along the shores of Lake Michigan.
Survivors include his two children, Jeremy (Kari) Stryhn, Manitowoc, and Brendon (Jenny A) Stryhn, Starbuck, MN; six grandchildren, Dylan, Taylor (special friend Donovan), Trenton, Lauren, Grayson and Braeleigh; two siblings, Rodney (Jan) Stryhn, Longview, WA and Carol (Cliff) Muchow, of Evansville, WI; four brothers-in-law and two sisters-in-law, Jerome Braun, Linda Nelson, Randy (Karen) Nelson, Rick (Linda) Nelson, all of Manitowoc, Corie (Kris) LaRocque, Wabeno, WI and Kenneth Nehls, of Evansville, WI; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Sharon; parents, Rodger and Betty Stryhn, sister Barbara Nehls, brothers-in-law Russell Nelson and Robert Nelson, sisters-in-law Darlene Braun and Darla Nelson.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. Noon on Friday, December 15, 2023 at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, 628 North Water Street, Manitowoc. Following the service, Gary will be laid to rest at Knollwood Memorial Gardens. A luncheon will then be held at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center located on the south property of the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home. The family will greet relatives and friends at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 12:00 p.m. Noon.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers that donations be made to St. Mary’s Nursing home and Felician Village in Gary and Sharon’s memory.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, Manitowoc, is assisting the Stryhn family with funeral arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com.
Gary’s family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff at Holy Family Memorial’s Heart and Vascular Center and the nursing and rehab staff at St. Mary’s Nursing home for their true compassion and loving care.