Gary Piper, 85, of Appleton, Wisconsin, passed away on April 7, 2021.

 

Gary was born January 26, 1936 to Henry Sr. and Margie (Collins) Piper in Springfield, IL. After graduating from Lanphier High School in Springfield, he attended Illinois State University and served in the United States Navy. In 1966 he married Kathleen A. Wholihan Piper and they had three children.

 

Gary is preceded in death by his wife Kathleen, his parents, sister Carol Cline and his beloved golden retriever Grady.

 

He is survived by his three children, Jennifer (Jeff) Arneson, Andrew (Carol) Piper and Kristin Piper; his brother Henry Jr.; sisters Janet (Charles) Schmid and Nancy Hinds; and his eight grandchildren, Mary Kate, Fin, Ruth, Piper, Molly, Carlee, Breckin and Lucy.

 

Gary began a career in telecommunications with jobs in Chicago, Kansas City and Minneapolis. In 1970 he accepted a position with Midwest Telephone Supply in Appleton, later to become Power & Tel, working there until retirement in 2000. Gary had many friends at the independent telephone companies of Wisconsin and loved traveling his adopted home state to visit them. Hosting customers at almost every Packer home game created many special memories for Gary and Kathleen.

 

Gary had many passions in life but foremost was his role as father, husband and grandpa. He was known to people everywhere as Grandpa Gary. He was a kind and giving man who will be missed by all who knew him.

The family will hold a memorial service in May. In lieu of flowers, we will be purchasing a bench on the Fox River in memory of Gary.  A donation can be made at https://everloved.com/life-of/gary-piper/donate/