Gary Streich, the man who gave Death a run for its money more times than a cat with nine lives passed away peacefully and unexpectedly at home with his wife, Rita, on December 28, 2023. Gary was a larger-than life man whose laughter echoed louder than any rock concert.
Born on June 15, 1949 to Ralph and LaVay (Peterson) Streich, Gary grew up with his sister, Judy (Gagnon) and brothers Rick and Steve (T.T) on the family farm east of Howard Lake. After graduating from Howard Lake-Waverly High School in 1967, at the tender age of 18, Gary embarked on a different kind of adventure when he was drafted into the Vietnam War. From a “grunt” in the jungles of Vietnam, he quickly rose to the rank of Sergeant in the First Calvary of the US Army by the time he was 19. Upon returning home from Vietnam, Gary began his career as a carpenter, spending many years running crews for Wausau Homes and ultimately becoming a General Contractor with his own business – Streich Construction. A marketing genius and never one to take himself too seriously, Streich Constructions tagline was “We’re Not Very Good – But We’re Slow”. Any drive with Gary would be punctuated by him pointing out, “I built that house!”
While a high school student in Howard Lake, Gary was introduced to the love of his life, Rita Painschab. Their journey together was a rollercoaster of laughter, love, and, as they affectionately called it, “50 years of pure hell.” Their May 12, 1973 wedding marked the beginning of a partnership that would stand the test of time. Gary and Rita’s relationship was a spectacle of love, humor, and the craziness that comes with decades of shared history. Their intense love for each other was the backbone of their enduring marriage, proving that a lifetime of love isn’t always smooth, but it’s always worth it.
Gary and Rita bought land across the road from Ralph and LaVay and in 1973, Gary built the home where they would raise their family, just down from Streich Brothers Farm. They were blessed with two daughters, Carrie and Jackie, and their life was a canvas of love, laughter and a healthy dose of chaos. In a twist that seemed scripted for a movie, they reunited with their son, Michael, in 2009, whom they had placed for adoption as teenagers in 1968. Gary embraced the reunion with open arms, adding another chapter to his ever-expanding book of family tales.
In addition to being a master of laughter, Gary Streich was a cherished grandpa who wore the title with pride and love. His grandkids were the apples of his eye. Gary’s eyes sparkled with delight whenever he was with them, and the feeling was mutual—they adored him. Gary’s pockets were always filled with candy – both for the grandkids and himself.
Gary was welcomed into Heaven by his parents, Ralph and LaVay, his uncle Don Streich, and his little brother, Steve Streich. We hope his 4-legged buddy, Conan, was there to greet him as well. As he reunites with them, we imagine the heavenly party being punctuated with laughter and maybe just a few Schmidt beers. Gary is survived by the love of his life, Rita, his daughters; Carrie (Dusty) Dircks, Jackie (Kyle) Thompson, son Michael Hall, sister Judy (Steve (Gunner)) Gagnon, brother Rick (Shelly) Streich, sister-in-law Mary Streich, beloved grandkids Carter Westling, Tyler Hall, Cecelia and Ruby Dircks, Zach, Grant, Owen and Nora Thompson, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and lots of close friends.
As we remember him today, let’s celebrate the joy, laughter, and love he brought into the world. Gary Streich, a grandpa, a husband, a brother, an uncle and a friend—may your laughter echo in our hearts, and may your love live on in generations to come. Rest in peace, Gary.
Please bring your Gary stories to share at his visitation which will be held at Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home in Howard Lake on Thursday, January 4th from 4pm – 7pm. The funeral will be at St. Mary’s in Waverly at 11am on January 5th with the viewing beginning at 10am.