Gary J. Dalebroux, 83, passed away Thursday, January 4, 2024.  He was born April 3, 1940 in Green Bay to John R. and Vera (Kocha) Dalebroux. Gary graduated from West High School in 1958 and studied business at Saint Norbert College in DePere.  In 1961, he heeded President Kennedy's call to service when he activated Wisconsin's 32nd Red Arrow Division during the Berlin Crisis.  He proudly served in the U.S. Army and continued his service through the National Guard and Army Reserves. Throughout his life he remained patriotic and proud of his time in the service.  He was a member of local VFW Post 2930. While on leave, he met the love of his life, Alice Polzak, and they were married at Saint Agnes Church on June 27, 1964.

Gary learned the trade of auto mechanics at a young age from his father at the family's service station, where he worked from junior high through college. When he returned home from active service, he opened Gary's Mobil on West Mason. He enjoyed restoring vehicles and his pride and joy was a '59 Cadillac. Gary could fix anything and had an ingenuity driven mind. In a contest held by General Motors, Gary was a 1958 & 1959 national winner of Fisher Body Craftsman Award for body design, where winning designs were integrated into future automobiles that displayed the "Body by Fisher" emblem.

Gary transitioned from running a service station to a fulfilling career as an auto parts salesman, finding his niche at Carquest. He cherished enduring relationships with customers and colleagues, especially his best friend Jeff. Gary's trustworthy nature, integrity and performance earned him respect across the Midwest, leading to multiple President's Club awards throughout his tenure.

When Gary was younger, he enjoyed hunting trips to the north woods, often with his father, his brother Mike and son John. His love of the outdoors led to countless camping trips and as a road trip enthusiast, loved to explore the country with his family. Gary loved the Wild West, was a fan of Western movies and especially enjoyed spending time in Wyoming.  A dog lover, the household was never without a dog and Gary was a foster parent to many dogs through the humane society.

Gary was an athletic and upbeat man who enjoyed being outside and participating in various recreational activities through the years such as baseball, racquetball, handball, and boating. He was a lifelong Packer fan and enjoyed Badger football. He had a great sense of humor and was well known for his endless supply of dry one-liners. Tirelessly resilient as he was never to complain during cancer treatments, using his humor, grit and determination to enjoy life the best he could. His love for his family and friends was always apparent.

He is survived by his wife, Alice Dalebroux; daughter, Cathy Dalebroux and her husband, Rob White; his son and daughter-in-law, John and Meena Dalebroux; two grandchildren, Annalice and Brayden; two brothers Michael Dalebroux and Richard (Val) Dalebroux, as well as sister Laurie Long. He is further survived by his sibling-in-laws Tony (Jackie) Polzak, Tim (Rosie) Polzak, Rosemary Bolas, Peter (Jay) Polzak, and Lori Polzak; and so many nieces and nephews who were near and dear to his heart.

He was preceded in death by his parents Vera and John Dalebroux, sisters-in-law, Trudy Dalebroux and Kathy Polzak; brothers-in-law, Dave Long and Tom Polzak.

Visitation for family and friends will be held at Blaney Funeral Home, 1521 Shawano Ave. from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, January 12.  A Parish Wake Service will be at 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.  Visitation will continue at Resurrection Catholic Church, 333 Hilltop Dr., from 9:30 to 10:30 Saturday, January 13 with the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am.  Burial will be held at Allouez Cemetery.  To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com.

A memorial fund will be established in Gary's name to benefit Canines for Veterans.

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