Gary W. Lee

My beloved husband and soul mate of 26 years was set free from his 12-year battle with Alzheimer's. Gary crossed the bridge on December 23, 2021 to a place of peace, health and freedom from this insidious disease. Though my heart is shattered, thank you my love for giving me this one last gift - knowing you suffer no more. We had quite a run and a life of love that few are blessed to know. Words cannot describe how much I will miss you, but your spirit lives in me always. See you in the stars.

Gary was born on April 23, 1949 in Watertown, WI to Leodis W. Harshbarger and Dorothy Mekelburg. Three loved children survive him from his first marriage, Nathan, Kelly and Sara. Also still living are 2 sisters, Valinda and Toni and many other loved relatives.

Gary enlisted in the Navy on 3/16/1968. He volunteered for shore duty in Viet Nam and served his country with honor until discharge on 1/26/71.

On 10/7/1995 I married the love of my life, Gary W. Harshbarger. As a tribute to his love of my father, Gary took my maiden name of Lee. Complex, kind, compassionate, funny, and loving. It was an amazing journey for us. We both carried issues from our life experiences and we had challenging times. But, our deep love and knowing that we were truly soul mates led us to develop an amazing relationship of support for each other. Was it always perfect, no, but our love for each other always brought us amazing joy and happiness. Surrounded by our bubble of love for each other. There are hundred of stories I could tell of our life journey, but the best I can leave behind is that we loved each other unconditionally, we supported each other through so many life crises and we shared so many amazing joys.

Gary was also an amazing stepfather to my son Robert with whom he shared a deep and amazing bond. In 2009 my beloved was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's and we embarked on a new journey. Robert provided so much care for Gary as we neared the end.

Last, but certainly not least, throughout our life together, Gary and I filled our home with rescue dogs and cats. He so loved his fur babies and especially toward the end there was never a time when his lap was not filled with his beloved pets. Their presence calmed him as he would stroke their fur and he would rest comfortably in his recliner. And I know all our fur family that went before him mobbed him when he crossed the Bridge and I can see his face lit up brilliant smile.

Words cannot describe how much this amazing man will be missed. Look to the sky and when you spot the brightest star in the sky that will be Gary.