Gary Collard

Gary R. Collard, 76, of Marinette passed away October 25th at Aurora Medical Center Bay Area. He was born November 17, 1947 in Marinette to Robert and Theresa (nee Herman) Collard, residing in this area most of his life. After high school he served in the U.S. Navy from 1966 until 1969. On August 21, 1971 he married Carol Ojanpera in her hometown of Inver Grove Heights, MN. Carol was already a speech therapist for the School District of Marinette and they resided in Marinette all of their married life. She preceded him in death on September 27th of this year.

Gary had trained as a welder and worked for Marinette Marine Corp., the Menominee Boiler Works and the City of Marinette Public Works Dept. from which he retired. He had a vast knowledge of applied mechanics which he shared with many in the community. Gary and Carol enjoyed camping, making many friends along the way.

He is survived by a sister, Kathy; a brother-in-law, Dennis (Liz) Ojanpera; niece, Jane and nephew, Kurt, his aunt Mary Herman and cousin Karen Lindsay as well as others.

Gary will be deeply missed by many special friends including Mary Bohm, Karen Dill, Dawn Mastejko, Dave and Judy Hegg, Tari and Pat Menard, Keith and Ellen Jung, Mike and Donna Thomas, Ed and Julie Beyer, Terry and Marge Heckel and many others not named here as well as other neighborhood and camping friends.

In addition to his wife, Carol; he was preceded in death by his parents and a brother-in-law, Calvin.

Special thanks are given to the Bay Area Cancer Center.

Hansen-Onion-Martell funeral home is assisting the family.