Gary E. Elskamp

Potosi, Wisconsin Gary Edward Elskamp, 61, of Potosi, WI, entered into eternal life peacefully with his daughter by his side on Monday, December 5, 2016, at Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg, following 20 years of fighting four different cancers. Ten years after his initial diagnosis of leukemia, he received a bone marrow transplant from his sister Esther. After enduring years of graft vs. host disease, Gary was diagnosed with Glioblastoma in 2014. Over the last two years, Gary was treated for lymphoma and skin cancer as well, and underwent numerous surgeries and rounds of radiation. Gary never complained about any of his ailments and always thought someone else had it worse off than him. He had a heart of gold and was a softy for anyone in need. Gary’s family was his world and he fought hard for them. Gary was born May 3, 1955, to Mahlon and Hannah (Reynolds) Elskamp in Potosi, WI. He worked various jobs including Caradco, John Deere, and as the St. Andrew Thomas School custodian. He attended Southwest Tech and then started his own business, Gary’s TV, in Cuba City with his wife Kathy. He also owned and operated the carwash next door. He worked hard throughout his career, and made many friends along the way. He enjoyed lending a hand at any fundraising event and also served as president of Catholic Financial Chapter 42. Gary married his high school sweetheart, Kathy Vogelsberg, on December 13, 1975. They had three children, Tony (Lisa) of Dubuque, Andy (Kimberly) of Madison, and Thresia of Lake Charles, LA. Gary loved following his children in their sporting adventures across the country and was in attendance every chance he had. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed spending time in the woods with his family. Gary’s love for his grandchildren topped all. Gary is survived by his wife, Kathy, of 41 years; their children; and four beautiful grandchildren, Kennedy, Carter, Elizabeth, and Emma. He is also survived by his siblings, Marion Mason, of Potosi, Neil (Barb), of Chetek, Carl (Judy), of Bountiful, UT, Esther (Tim) Hesse, of Lodi, and Keith (Becky), of Potosi; his sisters-in-law, Shirley, of Topeka, KS and Mary Lou, of Kieler; and his mother-in-law, Marie (Tobin) Vogelsberg. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Leo, Suzie, Mark, and Mary; brother-in-law, Joel Mason; and father-in-law, Milton Vogelsberg. Services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 10, 2016, at St. Andrew Church in Tennyson with Rev. Richard Leffler officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. Friday at the church and from 9:30-10:45 a.m. Saturday at the church before the funeral mass. Casey Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cuba City is in charge of arrangements. The family would like to express their gratitude to the outstanding staff at UW Hospital, especially Dr. and friend Walter Longo. They also would like to thank the exceptional staff at Agrace Hospice who were so compassionate to Gary and his family. A Gary E. Elskamp Memorial Fund has been established.