Gary Brecht, 69

Gary Brecht passed away peacefully Wednesday, June 20, at United Hospital in St Paul, Minn., following complications from routine surgery in Baldwin, Wis.

Born to Victor and Virginia Brecht on Jan. 14, 1943, in Parsons, Kan., he lived in many places with his family while growing up and graduated from Red Wing, Minn., High School in 1961. Soon after graduating he began a very successful law enforcement career in River Falls, Wis., and then St. Croix County, Wis. As an accident investigation expert, he was hired away from law enforcement by Doar, Drill and Skow Attorneys at Law to become the law firm staff investigator. After 19 years with the law firm, he retired to become the general sales manager at St Croix Harley Davidson in New Richmond, Wis.

Gary "retired" at age 66 and worked at the law firm and Harley shop in his spare time. United in marriage to Sandy Brecht in 2003, living in Hammond, Wis., Gary lived the dream loving his wife, his kids, and his grandkids. Gary was a huge sports fan who loved to cheer for the Green Bay Packers and the Milwaukee Brewers. He loved to head out west to go prairie dog hunting with special pals! To all who knew him, Gary will remain a gentle, sweet, kind, and caring soul. He touched the lives of many from all walks of life and will be missed by all who crossed his path. Gary will be remembered by many and for much, especially for being a good man who shined his light on others as a gentle leader and lover of life.

Gary is survived by his loving wife, Sandy; stepson, Todd Cloutier of Hammond; daughter, Kristin (Barrett) Grove of River Falls; son, Jeffrey (Amy) Brecht of Sioux Falls, S.D.; grandchildren, Amanda Grove, Brian Grove, Jeffrey Brecht, Ellie Brecht, Anna Brecht and Nate Brecht; brothers, Phillip Hauser of Cambria, Calif., Joel Hauser of Cambria, Tim Hauser of Los Angeles, Calif.; sister, Ruth Beutler of Tehachapi, Calif.; as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews and amazing friends!

Gary was preceded in death by his father, Victor Brecht; mother, Virginia Hauser, and stepfather, Luther Hauser; and niece Sara Ruth Beutler-Silguereo.

Memorial Celebration of Life Services will be held at "High Noon" on Saturday, June 30, at St. Bridget Catholic Church, 211 E. Division St., River Falls. Visitation will take place from 10 a.m.-12 noon. Immediately following memorial services, all who knew Gary are invited to attend a Celebration Cookout in his honor with Bacon Cheeseburgers, Brats, Hot Dogs, Chips and Salsa, Cheese Curds, and Cookies and Bars. This will be held at the park in Hammond behind the Holiday Station and Parkside Restaurant. Please bring your drink of choice, lawn chairs, and any yard games you would like to play! Come and share all of your favorite stories about Gary and come dressed in "GB" attire: Denim, cowboy boots, Harley, Packers, Brewers, etc...Anyone dressed in Viking or Twins attire will be subject to banter and "reserved" seating!

O'Connell Family Funeral Home and Countryside Crematory of Baldwin, Wis.

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