Gary Charles Holbrook

     Gary Charles “War (Knob)” Holbrook, 66, of the Town of Nasewaupee, was called Home to his Lord and savior, Tuesday night, May 16, 2017.

     He was born September 25, 1950 in Wausau, the son of Willis Charles “Bud” Holbrook and Lucille Margaret (Kiekhafer) Holbrook. Gary’s family moved to Sturgeon Bay where he attended and graduated from Sturgeon Bay High School. He met Sandra Jean Erickson who also attended the Assemblies of God Church in Sturgeon Bay, and he fell for her right away. Heart set on marriage, Gary would not settle for anything less, nor anyone else, and on July 26, 1969, they were united in marriage (although Gary always thought it was July 25).

     Gary initially worked with his dad in the family car crushing business. He drove semi for a short time before establishing his own mobile home hauling business with Sandy. For 35+ years, Gary drove throughout the Midwest and even to Florida and to Canada (three times). In recent years, Gary worked at Quietwoods RV and also on the Chicago Fire Boat, both in Sturgeon Bay.

     He developed a passion for scuba diving immediately upon getting certified, and he shared that passion with his sons, Scott and Tom, both recreationally and professionally (through their family diving company). Gary was an animal lover who adored his cats and chickens and was even known for caring for a bee through an entire winter into the spring when he let it go. He enjoyed spending time riding around in his gradall and collecting things over the years. Some may have mistaken his collection for garbage, but to Gary, that collection was his “treasure.” He was a proud member of the NRA.

     First and foremost in Gary’s life, though, was his love for Jesus Christ. Those who shared in conversation with Gary, both friends and probably even people he just met, knew of his great love for the Lord. Gary had experienced various health issues over the years, most significantly with his heart, and recognized that every day was gift. He began and ended every day the same way – giving thanks to God in prayer. Gary was not afraid to die, but rather, he looked forward to the day he could meet the Lord.

     He will be remembered for being an extremely caring person – one who would always give you the shirt off his back. Gary’s love will live on the hearts of his family whom he will be deeply missed by: his beloved wife, Sandy, with whom he was blessed with over 47 years of marriage; son, Tom (fiancé, Regina “Gina” Sund) of the Town of Nasewaupee; three grandchildren, Logan and Hanna Holbrook and Coltan Sund; three siblings-in-law, Shirley (Ralph) Prokop of Sturgeon Bay, Patricia (Dan) Nowland of the Town of Sturgeon Bay, and Robert Erickson of Sturgeon Bay; other relatives; and many friends.       

     He was preceded in death by his father (2012) and mother (2014); son, Scott (2016); brother and sister, Louis “Bud” (2014) and Karen Ruenger (1985); and sister-in-law, Judith “Judy” Erickson (2016).

     Arrangements are pending for Gary’s life to be celebrated at a later date (to be announced).

     Huehns Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Sturgeon Bay is assisting the Holbrook family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Gary may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com.

     “Our family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to all of the nurses with Dr. Paul Board for looking out for Gary and a very special thanks to Dr. Richard Timmons of Cardiology Associates of Bellin Health for the excellent care given to Gary over the years.”

 Service Information