Gary R. Grathen, 86, Green Bay, passed away Thursday, September 4, 2025. He was born February 22, 1939, in Green Bay to Jarvis and Marie (Schott) Grathen.

Gary proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1958 to 1960. He married the love of his life, Jean Leurquin on September 24, 1960 at Annunciation Catholic Church. Together they went on to have six wonderful children. Gary worked for Fort Howard Paper Company as a back tender until his retirement. He greatly enjoyed retirement. Gary was happy to be able to spend more time at the cottage that he had built with the help of family and friends. Often the family would spend their weekends together up north at the cottage. Gary loved to hunt, fish, and spend the day working in the garden tending to his plants. He was calm laid back, and a man of deep faith. Gary was a longtime member of St. Agnes Parish.

Gary is survived by his children, Anthony (Jodi) Grathen, Barbara Ritchie, Carl (Jane) Grathen, Donna Rae (John) Goslin, Eleanor (Dave) Meyer, Fredrick (Kristy) Grathen; many grandchildren and great- grandchildren; siblings, Michael (LouAnn Zegers) Grathen, Mary Grathen and Paul (Pam Stencil) Grathen; sister-in-law, Pat Grathen; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by loving wife of 63 years, Jean; parents, Jarvis and Marie; son-in-law, Bob Ritchie; brothers, Thomas (Judy) Grathen, Robert Grathen.

Friends and family will gather at Blaney Funeral Home, 1521 Shawano Ave., from 4pm to 7pm on Thursday, September 11. Visitation will continue at St. Agnes Parish, 1484 Ninth St., from 10 am to 11 am on Friday, September 12; Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11 am. Entombment will be in Allouez Chapel Mausoleum. To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in honor of Gary may be made to benefit Mit Liebe German Shepherd Dog Rescue. Donations can be mailed to MLGSDR, PO Box 376 Suamico, WI 54173 or made online at https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=7BUCRTD99YSX2&source=url

A special thank you to Woodside Lutheran Home where Gary made so many new friends.