Obituaries

Gary Lee Babich, age 59, left his earthly body to eternally worship with Jesus, on April 11, 2018. Gary was born in Two Rivers, Wisconsin on October 15, 1958. Gary lived with his biological family until the age of 6 when he moved to Central Colony. As a young man with Down Syndrome, he moved from Central Colony into a number of family homes before settling into a group home run by Larry and Lois Gates. When they decided to retire from the group home, the Gates adopted Gary and he resided with them until 5 years ago when their health deteriorated.

He loved the Green Bay Packers, country music (especially Johnny Cash, Charlie Pride and Dolly Parton), chili, fish on Fridays and cherry pie with ice cream. He gave great hugs, loved to tickle when he gave them and had an infectious laugh that will be missed. He also loved to shoot hoops and play “HORSE”. Gary never met a stranger that he didn’t consider a friend

Gary had two families: his biological family in northern Wisconsin, and his adopted family in south central Wisconsin.

He is survived by his adopted parents, Larry and Lois Gates; adopted sisters, Laura (Kevin “KC”) Robson, Leslie (Dan) Anderson, and Lisa (Dale) Johnson; adopted brother, Lorrne (Trish) Gates; and their families; biological sisters, Jeanne (Jerry) Kruger, Cheryl ( Jeff) Kruger; and biological brother, Steven (Elaine) Babich and their families.

He was preceded in death by his biological parents, George and Hazel Babich: and biological brothers, Thomas Babich and John Babich.

In lieu of gifts the family ask that donations be made in Gary’s name to one of the following charities:

The American Heart Association

The American Diabetes Foundation

Gifts Men’s Shelter @ PO Box 788, Janesville, WI 53547

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A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 18, 2018, at ROSELAWN MEMORIAL PARK CHAPEL, 401 Femrite Drive, Monona. Burial will be held at the cemetery following the service. Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at the chapel on Wednesday.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

2418 N. Sherman Ave.

(608) 249-8257