Gary John De Bauche, 87, of Howard, WI, died on September 28, 2025, in Green Bay, WI. Gary was born to the late Emmons and Mayme (Beno) De Bauche on November 27, 1937, in Green Bay, WI. He graduated from Green Bay East High School in 1956. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in 1960, followed by his Master of Science in History-Education from the same institution in 1966. He later earned his Doctor of Education in Educational Administration from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, in 1981, which earned him the nickname "Doc."

Gary married the love of his life, Madonna Mae Heim, on June 25, 1960. They were together for 65 years, a partnership built on deep love, mutual respect, and support. They welcomed their daughter, Elizabeth (Beth), on July 3, 1961.

Gary dedicated his career to education, touching the lives of countless individuals as both a teacher and administrator. He began his teaching career at Fond du Lac Goodrich High School (1960-1962) before joining West High School in Green Bay, where he served as an educator and coach from 1962 to 1980. During his time at West High, he coached tennis, football (as an assistant), and men's and women's golf.

After earning his EdD in 1981, Gary transitioned into educational administration. He returned to Green Bay West as an Assistant Principal in 1981, then served both West and Southwest High Schools from 1982 to 1984, before focusing solely on West until his retirement from the Green Bay school system. Following his retirement from the system, he continued his passion for educational leadership as Assistant Superintendent of Schools at Oconto Falls, where he took great pleasure in positively impacting the community.

Throughout his career, Gary was a fervent advocate for educators and education, serving on numerous committees. He was committed to lifelong learning and participated in over ten National Endowment for the Humanities and National Science Foundation Fellowships at universities across the country, as well as other fellowships, including the 1975 Lyndon Baines Johnson Fellowship at the US House of Representatives and the Robert Taft Fellowship (1974 and 1975). He served on the Premontre School Board (1983-89) as Vice President (1987-89).

Gary was a passionate sports enthusiast who played football, basketball, and golf in high school. He was a longtime Green Bay Packers fan who proudly attended the legendary Ice Bowl game. Until his back no longer allowed it, he loved playing golf and teaching the game to others.

Gary took great joy in planning family adventures and vacations, including their memorable 1995 trip to the British Open at St. Andrews, which became the first of many annual trips to Europe, featuring visits to other British Opens, island getaways, and their final, memorable trip to Banff. Through these travels, he formed lifelong friendships, including dear friends in Dundee, Scotland. The family also treasured their Door County visits, from camping at Peninsula State Park in earlier years, to years of family engagement at the Norrland Resort, and later the annual family New Year's celebrations at the Churchill Inn. He was interested in and proud of his Belgian heritage, tracing the family tree back to the 1600s and even traveling to the family's place of origin in Belgium. His professional move to Oconto Falls brought him to his beloved Kelly Lake, where he built his cottage.

In retirement, Gary enjoyed traveling to Nashville to visit his daughter, attending college sporting events (especially Ohio Valley Conference and Notre Dame games), spending winter months in Hilton Head, and sharing breakfast with his buddies at the Nicolet Café, where he loved to tease, share stories, and talk politics. He remained devoted to his Catholic faith throughout his life.

Gary was known as the "fun dad" and uncle who was always open to adventures, loved to tease those he cared about, and delighted in telling stories. He cherished time with Beth and his nieces and nephews. Above all, he was the rock of his family-a devoted husband and father who always ensured his loved ones were cared for and looked after. He supported Donna and Beth in all their endeavors, took immense pride in their accomplishments, and was their biggest champion. His daughter often said that every person should have the honor of being loved the way Gary loved his family.

Gary is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years, Donna, and his beloved daughter Beth. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Jody (Ken) Leemon, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Robert (Joyce), James (Carole), and his sister Donna (Dick) Derenne, his sister-in-law Aggie (Earl) Georgia, and his nephew Bill De Bauche.

Friends and family will gather at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 2597 Glendale Ave., (The entrance is directly across from BP gas station on Glendale Ave.) from 10am to 11:30am on Friday, October 3; Mass to follow at 11:30. To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com.

Gary's wishes were for memorials to be given in lieu of flowers to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research or the Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Cross.