Gary C. Schwantes, age 72, of New Holstein, passed away with his loving family at his side on Saturday, October 22, 2016, following a brief battle with cancer. He was born October 1, 1944, in Manitowoc to the late Claude & Ruth (Goetsch) Schwantes. His parents moved to New Holstein in the late 1940's where he attended New Holstein Elementary School and graduated from New Holstein High School in 1962. Gary attended UW Oshkosh and Moraine Park. On May 2, 1970, he married Donna Bennin in Chilton. Gary was a Detail Draftsman at Tecumseh Engine Products in New Holstein until owning G & D Hardware in New Holstein for close to 20 years. He was a salesman for Truck Craft and Redi Ramp. In his later working career, he worked for Lenz Trucks transporting pickup trucks across the United States until retiring in 2014. Gary had served as an Alderman for the City of New Holstein and was head of the Park & Recreation Committee. He also worked as a volunteer policeman for the New Holstein Police Department. Gary was very active in the Boy Scouts. He belonged to the Men's Bowling League and the Couple's Bowling League at the Beacon. He also golfed with the Arp's Golf League. Gary loved playing cards with the "Over the Hill" gang. Many locals in New Holstein and the surrounding area fondly remember Gary selling his beloved Christmas trees with his son and grandson during the holiday season. Gary and his grandson, Tyler, spent many memorable moments together on their various travel trips throughout the United States. It has been said that Gary put on more than a million miles throughout his career with Lenz Trucks. Gary was a member of St. John United Church of Christ in New Holstein where he also served on the church council. Survivors include his wife, Donna; his two children, Amanda "Mandy" Schwantes of Greenfield and Keith Schwantes of Menasha; his grandson, Tyler; his brother, Dale (Lynn) Schwantes of Oostburg; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Robert (Karen) Bennin, Jeanne (Bill) Sweetman, Marilyn Bennin, Carol (Roman) Geiser, Betty (Jim) Nier, David (Laurie) Bennin and Deacon Dennis (Hilde) Bennin. Gary is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Claude & Ruth Schwantes and his father-in-law & mother-in-law, Clarence & Elsie Bennin. Funeral Services will be held 5:00 PM on Wednesday, October 26, 2016, at St. John United Church of Christ, 2111 Church Street New Holstein, WI 53061. Rev. James E. Werner will officiate. Per Gary's request, there will be NO VISITATION prior to the service. Visitors are asked to gather at the church 15 minutes just prior to the start of the service. All visitors are invited to join the family at the Altona in New Holstein following the service for a time of sharing memories and fellowship. Gary will be laid to rest in the Eaton Cemetery in the Town of Eaton at 11:00 AM Thursday morning. For additional information, please contact the Sippel Funeral Home in New Holstein (920) 898-4300 or visit www.sippelfuneralhome.net