Gary Lee Baxter
Gary Lee Baxter, 82, of Montfort, formerly of Prairie du Chien, died peacefully at his home on Monday, Feb. 26.
He was born in Dodgeville on Aug. 26, 1935, moved to Madison for a short time, attending Madison East High School. He then moved to Montfort where he graduated from high school in 1953. Gary married Shirley (Volenec) Baxter in Rockville, Md., Jan. 29, 1956, while serving in the U.S. Army. Gary and Shirley traveled throughout the United States, eventually making Fennimore, their home.
Gary attended UW-Platteville and received a degree in education. He received his master’s degree in education administration through Winona State University while teaching 8th grade science in Fennimore. He served as superintendent of Wauzeka schools before settling in Prairie du Chien, where he was the principal at BA Kennedy (K-8) for 25 years. After retiring in 1992, Gary continued to be passionate about education, serving as interim superintendent at River Ridge school district and finally working with at-risk students through the CESA 3 alternative school program. Gary was a nature enthusiast and enjoyed all aspects of the outdoors with friends and family. He loved annual deer and duck hunting trips, fishing in both summer and winter, and planting trees and native prairie on his property near Fennimore.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Shirley; his children, Tim (Peg) Baxter, Deb Baxter, Chris (Shannon) Baxter; grandchildren, Ben, Alexandra, Savannah and Garrett; and cousin Duane (Diana) Woerpel.
Services are pending with Soman-Larson Funeral Home in Montfort. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you consider donating to one of the charitable organizations listed on the funeral home website at www.larsonfuneralhomes.com.
