Gary Donald Becwar Sr.

Gary D. Becwar, Sr., age 76, of Eastman passed away peacefully Sunday, August 20 2023, at home with his family by his side.  He was born October 14, 1946, the son of Donald and Zola (Ostrander) Becwar.  Gary grew up in Charme and later moved with his parents to Eastman.  He spent many hours working beside his father on their family farm and in their garage.  He received his early education at Sioux Coulee and Seneca Schools and was a graduating member of the Seneca Class of 1964.  Following his graduation, he met the love of his life, Judy (Sprosty), and they were united in marriage on June 4, 1966, at St. Wenceslaus Church in Eastman.  Together, they raised four sons on their family homestead in Eastman. 

Gary was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying his time hunting and fishing, and spending many summers and fall days at Blackhawk Lake camping with family and friends.  Gary worked at the Prairie Tool Company for 37 ½ years until their closure and then worked at Bennett Hardwoods until his retirement.  Upon retirement, he started making woodworking items.  His woodworking talents are known quite well throughout Crawford County with his most beloved work showcased at the St. Wenceslaus Church, where he was an active member and assisted each year with the Church Picnic.  He always showed his support for the community he loved by making cabinets and other auction items for the Eastman Fire Department and First Responders’ annual hog roast, and he was always quick to make something for a benefit for people in the community to show his and his family’s support.  Aside from his woodworking, Gary also liked to find fixer-upper pieces of farm equipment to refurbish and sell, loved to try his luck with some scratch off games, and would occasionally pull the arm of a slot machine hoping for a big win.  He was considered a jokester to those who know him best, including being considered a playboy by his loving father-in-law and mother-in-law.  If he was able to pull a prank on you, you could hear his laughter for hours and he was always quick to let the next person know how “he got you”. 

Gary’s legacy will be remembered by his loving family.  He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Judy Becwar, and four sons: Gary Jr. (Tina) Becwar, John (Darci) Becwar, Jeffrey (Heidi) Becwar, and Jim (Tracy) Becwar; 10 grandchildren: Matthew (Angel) Becwar, Tioni (Andrew) Tamling, Brian (Dustin Allen) Becwar, Seth Harris, Dustin (Dani) Becwar, Darren (Chelstie) Becwar, Dylan (Abby) Becwar, Cassandra (Nickolas) Young, Tresa (Robert) Hallberg, and James (Vanessa) Becwar; 18 great-grandchildren: Garrison, Daven, McKenzie, Mcguire, Myles, Lilly, Connor, Warren, Broc, Brynlee, Scarlett, Juna, Jayda, Owen, Noah, Gavin, Addison, and Ryan; his sister - Janice (Milo) Thornton, aunts and uncles, brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws, numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law, mother-in-law, sister, aunts and uncles, brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, daughter-in-law, nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, August 24, 2023, at 11:00 AM, St. Wenceslaus Church of Eastman.  Rev. Thomas Huff officiating with burial in the St. Wenceslaus Church Cemetery.  Friends may call at the Garrity Funeral Home on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and from 10:00 AM until the time of services at St. Wenceslaus Church.

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