Gary W. Candahl

Gary W. Candahl, 84, of La Crosse, passed away on Thursday, October 31, 2024, at the Gundersen Health System in La Crosse. He was born on April 4, 1940, in La Crosse, Wisconsin, to Ernest and Edith (Colby) Candahl. Gary served in the United States Marine Corps. He met the love of his life, Jenny Ritter, and they later married, raised three children, and were only parted by Jen's death in 2013. They are now reunited.

He had worked for Johnson Controls as a steamfitter and then purchased the Sandbar Marina and Campground in Brownsville, Minnesota.

Gary enjoyed boating, golf, hunting, softball, camping, darts, and snowbirding in Arizona. He was an avid Packers fan and loved spending time with his family. In his early years, he spent a lot of time bow hunting and was one of the founding members of the Blackhawk Archery Club. He would perform trick shooting with the bow at events. He was a natural-born storyteller, always ready with a joke or a witty remark. He loved being the center of attention and could easily captivate a room with his charm and humor. When he was in business, he was always looking for new opportunities to differentiate his business from the competition, ultimately earning him the nickname "Haney."

Although he could come across as gruff at times, he had a heart of gold and genuinely cared for those around him.

He is survived by his son, Mike (Renee) Candahl of Brownsville, Minnesota; two daughters, Melissa Candahl Borger of Galesville, Wisconsin, and Michelle Candahl of La Crosse, Wisconsin; and three grandchildren, Jerimiah (Karlie), Damian, and Alexis, and one great-grandchild, Matthias. He is also survived by his sister, Raine Candahl of La Crosse. He was preceded in death by his heart and soul, Jen; his parents; his brothers, Ernest "Skip" Candahl Jr. and Dennis Candahl; his son-in-law, Dave Borger; and sadly, many family members and friends.

The heavens will tremble, for the Candahl boys are all together again.

A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, November 8, 2024, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services of La Crosse. A private burial will be held at a later date.