Gary Lee Baxter, 82, of Montfort, formerly of Prairie du Chien, died peacefully at his home on Monday, February 26, 2018. He was born on August 26, 1935 in Dodgeville, WI, the son of Royal and Lulu (McMillan) Baxter. Gary moved to Madison WI for a short time, attending Madison East High School. He then moved to Montfort where he graduated from high school in 1953.
Gary married Shirley (Volenec) Baxter in Rockville, Maryland, January 29, 1956, while serving in the US Army. Gary and Shirley traveled throughout the United States, eventually making Fennimore, Wisconsin, their home. Gary attended UW Platteville and received a degree in education. He received his master’s degree in education administration through Winona State University while teaching 8th Grade science in Fennimore. He served as Superintendent of Wauzeka schools before settling in Prairie du Chien, where he was the principal at BA Kennedy (K-8) for 25 years.
After retiring in 1992, Gary continued to be passionate about education, serving as interim superintendent at River Ridge school district and finally working with at-risk students through the CESA 3 alternative school program. Gary was a nature enthusiast and enjoyed all aspects of the outdoors with friends and family. He loved annual deer and duck hunting trips, fishing in both summer and winter, and planting trees and native prairie on his property near Fennimore.
Gary is survived by his wife of 62 years, Shirley; his children, Tim (Peg) Baxter, Deb Baxter, Chris (Shannon) Baxter; grandchildren, Ben, Alexandra, Savannah & Garrett; and cousin Duane (Diana) Woerpel.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, sister Sandra Tomasello and cousin David Woerpel.
A service to celebrate Gary’s life will be held at 4:00 P.M. on Saturday, March 3, 2018, at the Soman-Larson Funeral Home in Montfort. Visitation will be held from 1:00 P.M. until the time of service at the funeral home on Saturday afternoon. Burial of the cremains will be held at a later date in the Eden Cemetery, Eden Township, Iowa County, WI. In lieu of plants and flowers a memorial fund is being established in loving memory of Gary L. Baxter.