Gary L. Govier, age 85, of Fennimore, died Monday, September 2, 2019 at the Grant Regional Health Center in Lancaster, WI. Gary was born on September 25, 1933 in Lancaster, WI the son of Orval and Bernice (Nelson) Govier. Gary married the love of his life Mary Degenhardt on May 29, 1954 in Plano, IL.
After graduating from high school, Gary worked various jobs throughout the area until going to work at John Deere of Dubuque, retiring after seventeen years of service. Gary was known by many far and near for his passion for hunting and training Plott Hounds. He traveled across the country for his hunting trips with the CB handle, “White Cloud.” On his coon and bear hunting excursions, Gary met numerous best friends and mentors. He especially enjoyed trips with his family to Bessemer, Jump River, and Solon Springs.
Gary also enjoyed fishing, supporting his grandchildren, and spending his free time with friends playing a game of euchre. Gary was a life time member of the National Plott Hounds Association, a lifetime member of the Wisconsin Bear Hunter’s Association, and the recipient of the 2001 NPHA Big Game Hunter of the Year.
Gary is survived by his wife Mary, four children; Rollo (Lacy) Govier, Randy (Torri) Govier, Robert (Kim) Govier, and Rickie (Kim) Govier all of Fennimore, seven grandchildren; Patrick, Erin, Brecken and Jenna Govier, Abby Ealy, Courtney (Wade) Sheckler and Dakota Govier, two great grandchildren; Lilly Ann and Gavin, several special nieces and nephews, two sisters; Gayle Anderson of Fennimore, Cheryl (Ed) Ferber of Cedar Grove, a brother-in-law; Vern Kessenick of Sussex/Napels, FL.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Bernice and Orval, a sister; Sylva, step-father; Ed Woll, step brother; Stephen Woll, in-laws; Leo and Gladys Degenhardt, brother-in-laws; Jackie, Robert “Bobby” and Donald, Gary Reynolds, and a sister-in-law; Sharon Simpson.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday afternoon, September 7, 2019 at the Larson Family Funeral Home in Fennimore with burial to follow in the Prairie Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service at the funeral home on Saturday. In lieu of plants and flowers a memorial fund is being established. Following the committal service at the cemetery, the family invites you to join them for a Celebration of Life with food and fellowship at the Hilltop Bar and Grill.