Gary Leigh Hasheider, age 80, of North Freedom, passed away peacefully after a short and courageous battle with Pancreatic cancer on March 19, 2026 at William S Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital. Gary was born August 10, 1945 to Lowell and Rose (Wilhelm) Hasheider. While growing up he was an active member of the Baraboo High School FFA, serving as President, Secretary, and Treasure. He also ran track when he wasn’t busy helping on the farm. He graduated from Baraboo High School in 1963. After graduation, he stayed home to help his dad farm. He also worked with a neighbor, Ted Herwig. Ted was a major influence in his life. He was a forward thinker, and he always had better crops than everyone else. He told Gary to be smart and study agriculture. Gary had many memories of cutting wood with the draft horses, taking care of cows, and fishing in the Baraboo River. In 1967, following his 2 older brother’s footsteps, Gary enlisted into the United States Air Force. His training started at Port Hueneme, California where he was trained in heating, repairing boilers, ventilation, and air conditioning; skills he would carry for the rest of his life. Later in1967, he was stationed at Grand Forks Air Base with the 319th Civil Engineering Squadron where he received radar bomb scoring training. He conducted missions with B-52 Stratofortresses, a long-range strategic bomber and Convair B-58 Hustlers, a supersonic strategic bomber. He would jam them with electronics and munitions. After his training, he was sent to Cozad, Nebraska and Gould, Arkansas to use his newfound skills. After his time one the train, he went back to Grand Forks to process out to Suwon Air Base in South Korea with the 6170th Combat Support Group. During his time in Korea, he spent time among the Korean community but especially with a group of kids living in an orphanage. Some of his fondest memories were of taking the kids on rides in the Jeep. One of the kids was so amazed at the windshield wipers- he couldn’t get enough of squirting water on the windshield. The girls decorated the Jeep with flowers, stuffing them into every crack they could find. One day, his Major asked him to go to a Korean church that was having boiler problems. The church was quite an event, because he had all of these local people watching him work- they liked him very much, and it was his favorite place that he had been. Little did he know, that several years later he and Eileen would adopt their daughter from South Korea. After returning from Korea, he was sent to Eglin Air Force Base in Florida and was assigned to Field Two with the 557th Red Horse Squadron. Red Horse was a rapid engineering and construction unit. He was honorably discharged from Elgin Air Force Base in 1971. Gary met the love of his life, Eileen (Bauer) while they were both working at Madison General Hospital. “I would walk through the hospital doing my work, and she kept smiling at me when I passed her desk. She would wink at me, and then I would wink back.”  The rest is history and they were united in marriage on September 14, 1974. In 1980, Gary’s love for farming called him back to North Freedom where he purchased the family farm from his dad. He took great pride in his farm raising Shorthorn cattle, caring for the last of his dad’s draft horses, growing crops, and raising his family on the farm he grew up on. After purchasing the farm, Gary continued to use his skills from the Air Force while he worked for the Baraboo School District for 10 years and St. Clare Hospital for 25 years as an HVAC. Gary could strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere he went, about anything. His family always joked that he should be a Walmart greeter when he retires- but no one would get any shopping done! He loved history- he had a passion to learn as much as possible from family history to World History. He was always reading something- from books on Sauk County history, farm reports, politics, local news, consumer reports, and whatever his kids and grandkids had interest in. His sons and daughter were his pride and joy. He was at all the sporting events, recitals, concerts, and graduations. He lived vicariously through the different travel adventures each went on. He gave each the tools needed to ensure they were successful in anything they did. After retirement, Gary continued to farm until the last couple weeks of his life. He enjoyed taking vacations with Eileen, going to antique shops looking for; old post cards, pulleys, and just about anything else. He loved to take his dog Gracie on car rides, even if it meant just running to Rock Springs to the Co-op. His grandkids meant the world to him. He enjoyed attending their sporting events, visiting them, and introducing them to his own hobbies. For his 80th birthday, he was able to finally take the entire family on a horse ride through Lost Canyon- his dad sold horses to them many years ago. One of his longtime neighbors recently said, “Some people leave a quiet mark on your life. Gary was one of those people. He was a hardworking farmer, devoted husband and father. A proud grandpa/papa. He was kind and generous, but also firm when he needed to be. Farmers spend their whole lives planting seeds. Seeds in the soil that grow into harvest. But sometimes they plant seeds in people too- seeds of kindness, faith, hard work, and quiet strength, Gary planted a lot of those seeds. And I know they will keep growing in the lives of everyone who knew him. And the beautiful thing about the seeds planted in faith is that they don’t end with this life, they grow straight into eternity.” Gary will be missed by so many. He touched the lives of so many. He was taken too soon but his family will hold tight to the values he shared, memories made, and love he shared. Gary is survived by his wife, Eileen; his children, Ryan (Heather) Hasheider of Baraboo, Rachel (Brandon) Labeots of West Salem, and Ross (Rachel) Hasheider of Baraboo; grandchildren, Gavin, Owen, Carson, Olivia, and Penelope; his beloved dog, Gracie; brothers, William Hashieder of Shreveport, LA, and Paul (Crystal) Hasheider of Baraboo; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lowell and Rose (Wilhelm) Hasheider; parents-in-law, L. Norbert and Rita (Feiner) Bauer; sister- in law, Patricia Hashieder; brother-in-law, James Blau; as well as nephews, Lowell Hashieder, and Todd Blau. Funeral services will be held at Redlin-Ertz Funeral Home on Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 11am with Pastor Blake Overlien officiating. Visitation will take place at the funeral home on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 from 4-6pm, as well as 10am until the time of the service on Thursday. Burial will follow at Rock Hill Cemetery with Military Honors. The family would like to thank all the staff at William S Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital for taking such excellent care of dad in his final days. In lieu of flowers and spirit of Gary’s giving nature, please make a donation to Kids’ Ranch, St. Joseph’s School in Baraboo, Baraboo High School FFA, or your local Veteran’s community.

Ann Effinger March 21, 2026

Friend Merrimac , Wisconsin

Gary was one of my BHS classmates. It has become a tradition to attend the FFA Pancake Breakfast, and we always looked forward to running into Gary. We missed him this year - now we know why. I am so sorry to hear about his passing- my sincere condolences to his family.

Dr Dan Sessler March 21, 2026

Physician and friend Baraboo , Wisconsin

Dear Eileen & family, My heartfelt sympathy and prayers go out to you! I always enjoyed seeing Gary at the clinic and while he was working at SCH. He was such a good man!

John Gruber March 21, 2026

H.S. Classmate Omaha , Nebraska

Who ever wrote Gary’s obituary knew him well. It has been many years since I last saw him. What I remember best was he always presented with a smile and pleasantry.

Lynne Coller March 21, 2026

Classmate co-worker at SCH Rockford , Illinois

So very sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. He was such a nice man. Eileen I know how hard this time is for you and your family. There will be a day when it isn’t so painful. God’s blessing to you and your family.

Cindy Leitza March 21, 2026

Friend Cuba City , Wisconsin

Dear Eileen, Ryan, Rachel and Ross My prayers and love go out to you and yours! Gary was a quiet "giant". Blessed to have known him. RIP!

Quinn March 21, 2026

Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin

Ryan and family, I’m sorry to hear of your loss. May memories bring some comfort during this difficult time.

Jeff Sprecher March 21, 2026

friend baraboo , Wisconsin

So sorry to hear of Gary's passing. He was everything in his obituary and more. He helped me learn the ropes when I started working at St Clare's. A good man.

Sandy Anderson March 22, 2026

Colleague Merrimac , Wisconsin

Dear Eileen, Ryan, Heather and family. What I cherished about Gary the most at St. Clare was his infectious friendly smile and his honest conversations. You could ask him a question and you were guaranteed to get a honest answer. A truly amazing colleague. Thank you for sharing him with us all those years. My prayer for you is that you let the memories all of you created and the simple pleasures you shared will warm your heart and comfort your soul.

Dennis and Penny Quandt March 22, 2026

Friend Lake Mills , Wisconsin

Eileen and Family We enjoyed your family as our neighbors and Friends.We could always count on Gary to help us get Newman’s cows back home.Gary was one in a million. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all

Ardyth Anderson-Winn March 22, 2026

Long ago friend Baraboo , Wisconsin

So sorry to see of Gary's passing. He had the most infectious smile. May God hold you all in His comforting arms.

David Hashieder March 22, 2026

Nephew Bossier City 711112 , Louisiana

We are sorry about Gary and your loss. We are praying for everyone and we love you. We enjoyed seeing you when you came last year. Love David ,Tonya, Andrew, Devan (Nicole)

Sandra Renner March 22, 2026

Family Friendship , Wisconsin

Ryan, Heather and boys, we are very sorry for your loss.

Andrew Hashieder March 22, 2026

Great Nephew Broken Arrow , Oklahoma

Heaven has gained a good man. Gary will be missed. Anytime I have the opportunity to hang out with him and being around him it was always enjoyable from whenever I was a young child all the way to a couple months ago when he visited Shreveport and I went down from Oklahoma to see him and I'm so glad I did. I will be keeping the family in my prayers.

Rita (Small/Gugel) Pavlin. March 22, 2026

B.H.S. 1963 classmate Lindenhurst , Illinois

I have looked forward to seeing Gary at our yearly class meetings. He always spent time taking with me about his current activities and asking about mine. I will really miss him at this year's event. He will be missed by all. Rita Pavlin

Joseph &Krystyna Kopec March 22, 2026

Rachel’s Walter grandparents West Allis , Wisconsin

Dear Ross( Rachel) and Family As you walk through this time of loss, may your heart be assured that the lord walks with You to bring comfort , peace and love With Sympathy and prayers Joe and Krystyna Kopec

Kansas & Deanna DuBray March 22, 2026

Friend Lake Delton ,

Ryan and family we were saddened to learn of Gary’s death. Prayers and condolences to you all. We both enjoyed visiting with your dad at St Clare when we worked together. He was a gem. Kansas & Deanna DuBray

Jill Kutzke March 22, 2026

friend, coworker Baraboo , Wisconsin

Eileen, I'm sorry to learn of Gary's passing. He truly was one of the good guys. We worked a lot of years together at St. Clare hospital and had many conversations during those years. I'll never forget his kindness after I lost my Dad. I was only in my 30's when this happened. Gary came up to me at work and told me if I ever had questions on how to do something or where to go to get stuff or recommendations of what businesses are the best choices, I could ask him anytime.....and I certainly did ask him things over the years. As I said earlier, he was one of the good guys and I was grateful for his friendship. He will be missed.

Saroya Frosch March 23, 2026

Co worker Baraboo ,

Dear Eileen and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Gary at St. Clare -his smile, warm heart and conversations made my days brighter. Thank you for sharing him with us. God bless you all and sending healing hugs.

Deb Owen March 23, 2026

Former co worker Reedsburg ,

Eileen and family I am so shocked to hear of the passing of Gary. As you know what an amazing man he was!! He did always have A smile if you met him in the hallway at St. Clare’s!! No matter how bad my day was going he always could make me smile. I was so thankful for that!! Prayers for you all. Deb Owen

Delbert and Patty Renner March 23, 2026

Family Friendship , Wisconsin

Ryan, Heather and Family, So sorry for your families loss, sending you love and prayers

Bob Sauer March 23, 2026

Friend Sun Prairie , Wisconsin

Dear Eileen and family, Gary was always a good friend to me during the years we worked together. I enjoyed knowing him, and valued him as a friend. He was a good person, and it was obvious. Please accept my condolences.

Joanne (Bellows) Gardner March 24, 2026

friend/coworker Baraboo (Lake Delton) , Wisconsin

So sorry to hear of Gary's passing. He was such a gentle man and a calm worker. He willl certainly be missed.

Barb Peterson March 24, 2026

Co - worker Wisconsin Dells , Wisconsin

Dear Eileen and Family, GOD has taken one of the best!!! I’m so sorry for your loss. Gary had the most infectious smile and laugh. Such a pleasure to be around. He will be greatly missed.

Sue Thompson Pasky March 24, 2026

Ex co-worker North Port , Florida

I worked with Gary years ago when I worked at the Baraboo School District. He was always such a sweet, friendly man. My condolences to his family.

Melissa Krueger March 24, 2026

Co-worker Lime ridge , Wisconsin

Dearest Eileen and family I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Gary I worked with him at the hospital for many years that bright smile and readiness to pick on you was delightful I just really can’t say enough good things about him and he will be truly missed you are all in my thoughts and prayers

Barb Bromley March 25, 2026

Rachel Walter’s mom Baraboo , Wisconsin

We are praying for your family. Best wishes for God’s grace.

Sue Sprecher March 26, 2026

Co-worker & Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin

Dear Eileen & Family, I'm so sorry for your loss. Gary was such a kind & caring man. I enjoyed working with him over the years at SSM. Always willing to help out. My heart goes out to you. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Sue Sprecher

Marie Brennan March 26, 2026

Family friend North Fork , California

I’m so sorry for your loss. Gary was a truly wonderful man. Warm, kind, and the sort of person who made conversation feel easy. His obituary was so beautifully written and felt incredibly spot on. It’s clear he left a deep mark on so many people. Sending love and sincere sympathy to your family.

Deb Rodriguez April 01, 2026

Knew him from work Baraboo , Wisconsin

Eileen, I’m so sorry for Gary’s passing. He was such a nice person. He always had a smile when when we passed in the halls at work. My thoughts and prayers are with you.