Gary L. Maedke, 76, Algoma, passed away on January 26, 2024, at the Jack and Engrid Unity Hospice Facility in DePere. He was born November 8, 1947, in Algoma to Louis and Frieda (Kaye) Meadke.
Gary graduated from the Southern Door High School in 1965.
Gary was drafted into the United States Army on January 4, 1968, and was honorably discharged on December 18, 1969. Gary was seriously injured in Vietnam on December 10, 1968, and was awarded the Purple Heart for the injuries he received serving his country.
After returning home, Gary worked at Bay Ship Builders for about 35 years. During his laid-off periods, Gary did carpentry work with Heraly Construction for many years.
He married Marilyn (Dupont) Kroening on January 1, 1972, at St. Paul's Church, Algoma.
Gary built his own home and made many furniture pieces in his home. He loved to spend his time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was an avid hunter, loved playing cards and traveling with his wife Marilyn.
Gary is survived by his son, Shawn Maedke, New Franken; daughter Diana (Rick) Pallex, Algoma; daughter Barb (Jon) Paplham, New Franken; and son Ricky (Debra) Kroening, Forestville; 13 grandchildren, Hannah and Hunter Maedke, Tanya (Damian) Bott, Elliot (Tricia) Pallex, Adam Przybylski, Logan Ann Przybylski, Christopher (Stephanie) Przybylski, Gabrielle Paplham, Matthew (Bryanna) Kroening, Jennifer Kroening, Zachary (Judy) Kroening, Gunner (Bradley) Kroening, Hailey Kroening; 15 great-grandchildren; one sister Ruby Mueller, sister-in-law June Holtz and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Marilyn, four sisters Ella (Marcus) Pagel, Edna (Roger) Kruegar, Mildred (Harvey) Jaeger and Violet (Ernie) Kumbalek, brother-in-law Edward Mueller and sister-in-law Patricia (Donald) Lohrey.
Family and friends may gather at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Algoma, on Thursday, February 1, 2024, from 9:00 AM until the time of services at 11:00 AM with Rev. Joel McKenney and Rev. John Moll officiating. Burial in the Evergreen Cemetery with Full Military Rites.
The family wants to give a special thank you to the staff at the Jack and Engrid Hospice Facility for all the care and compassion given to Gary during his stay there.
The Schinderle Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements for Gary and his family.
Express your sympathy, memories and pictures on Gary's tribute page at www.schinderlefuneralhome.com
