Gary M. Bergquist, age 66, of Manitowoc, passed away peacefully on Monday morning, February 9, 2026 at the Aurora BayCare Medical Center in Green Bay, with his lifelong friend Dale Hietpas, at his side. Gary died due to an injury suffered on February 5, 2026, that left him paralyzed from the shoulders down.
Gary was born on December 16, 1959 in Manitowoc, the son of Gladys E. (Oswald) Bergquist and the late John A. Bergquist. He attended schools in Manitowoc and graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1978. After high school, Gary attended Moraine Park Technical College in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, where he earned a degree in Micro-Biology. He went on to a career in sales with several companies within the Food and Dairy industries, specializing in food processing equipment and sanitizing products, until his retirement in 2024. In his younger years, Gary enjoyed fishing, trapshooting and hunting, proudly displaying several of his mounts on his living room walls. He was an avid Green Bay Packers fan, and truly enjoyed going for a nice long ride on his Harley, on a beautiful summer day.
Survivors include Gary’s mother, Gladys E. Bergquist; brother, David J. Bergquist; sister and brother-in-law, Nancy A. (Michael) Manke, nephew, John Manke; niece, Kathryn Manke; aunt, Shirley Oswald; and lifelong buddy, Dale (Lisa) Hietpas; also other relatives and many friends. Gary was preceded in death by his father, John A. Bergquist; paternal grandparents, Arthur and Viola Bergquist; maternal grandparents, Charles and Anna Oswald; sister-in-law, Lois J. Bergquist, along with many aunts, uncles and cousins.
A Life Celebration Social will be held at 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center, 620 North Water Street, Manitowoc, located on the south property of the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home. Cremation has taken place at the Harrigan Parkside Crematory and Chapel with burial of Gary’s cremated remains to be held at Evergreen Cemetery at a later date. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials in Gary’s name.
Gary’s family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to all the staff of Aurora BayCare Medical Center ICU for the care and compassion they provided.
Gary was a kind, thoughtful, and giving person. In that spirit, he gave a wonderful gift of donating his tissues and eyes which will benefit numerous recipients, and all whom they know.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting the family with arrangements.
