Gary D. DeFere, age 83, passed away on September 15, 2021, at his home in Shawano, WI. Born in Sturgeon Bay, WI on October 25, 1937, he was the son of Elton and Dorothy (Seiler) DeFere. On July 22, 1961, Gary was united in marriage to Joanne M. Rohr in Sturgeon Bay. They were both employed at the Bank of Sturgeon Bay. Gary then joined NCR Corp. in Green Bay and enjoyed a 33-year career in sales and marketing. Gary enlisted in the U.S. Armed Forces on November 17, 1959 and served the country in various locations until discharged on August 13, 1965. After retiring from NCR Gary was employed by Wausau Financial Systems in Wausau for several years. After moves to Appleton and Hubertus, WI he and his family settled in Shawano where Gary developed many interests in the community. He and his family were original members of the Shawano Ski Sharks Waterski Club and he became the announcer of the shows for many years. Also, for many years he served as President of the Shawano Area Waterways Management, an organization devoted to maintaining and improving the condition of Shawano waterways.
Gary was introduced to ballroom dancing by his daughter, Michelle, who owned a Fred Astaire Ballroom Dance Studio. After a few years, he became an accomplished a dancer and he and his wife competed all over the country.
Gary was an avid Packer fan. He enjoyed boating, all water sports, football, golfing, racquetball and was the most devoted father and grandfather.
Gary is survived by his wife of 60 years, Joanne; two children, Dr. Michelle (Stephen) Acton of Hubertus, WI, Bart (Debbie) DeFere of Shawano, WI; one sister, Bonnie (Leon) Gezella of Green Bay, WI; one sister-in-law, Ann DeFere of Two Rivers, WI; one brother-in-law, Dr. Roger Rohr (Mary Lou) of Fenton, Michigan; along with three grandchildren, Hunter, Nicole, and Bailey. He is further survived by several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Ron.
A celebration of life will be held at The Gathering in Shawano from 1:00pm until 4:00pm on Saturday, October 30th, 2021. Memorials may be directed to the Shawano Ski Sharks. Memorials may be sent to Swedberg Funeral Home as well, 518 W. 5th St. Shawano, WI 54166, and will be passed along to the DeFere family.
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