Almanzar "Al" Gagne
Almanzar "Al" Joseph Gagne, Jr, age 88, passed away peacefully on August 19, 2025, at Songbird Pond Assisted Living, Plymouth, WI.
Al was born May 11, 1937, in Cook County, IL, the son of Almanzar Sr, and Lillian (Glaubke) Gagne.
He graduated from Leyden High School in 1956, then proudly served in the United States Marine Corps. He married his high school sweetheart, Patricia A. (Johanns) Gagne in 1957, and for a period of time they lived in Oceanside, CA, where he served.
Opon returning to the Chicago area, Al eventually started his own business in Addison, IL, with a Gulf gas and service station, where as an owner/mechanic he fixed cars. He followed his passion for cars in drag racing in the Chicagoland area, and throughout his life, always owned a special car or truck, from his home-project tricked-out Dodge passenger van perfect for road trips to Florida, to the 1976 Lincoln Continental Mark IV, to the Dodge Magnum he drove around in his early 80s.
In 1977, Al brought his family to Eagle River, WI, where they purchased Verjon’s Bar & Liquor store (aka Bando's), and they later re-named it The Main Pub & Package, at 118 S Main St. Al took on managing the Bar, while wife Pat ran the liquor store until 1985. Notably, Al served as president of the Tavern League of Wisconsin in the early ‘80s.
After Al and Pat divorced in 1986, Al married Deanna (“Dee”) Kalous, and they resided in Eagle River until her passing from cancer. He is survived by her sons Geno, Lane and John Kalous.
In 2006, Al married his third wife, Yvonne Massey and they lived in Sheboygan, WI, enjoying Wisco life with best friends Linda and Bernie Falk, who remained faithful friends throughout. It was then Al donned the green and gold to root for the Packers. Yvonne passed in 2020.
He is survived by members of Yvonne Massey's family, Laura Massey Palmer (David), Shef (Deb) Massey; grandchildren, Breanna, Abigayle Palmer; and Eva and Tess Massey.
He is survived by his first wife, Patricia A. Gagne (Johanns); children, Wendy Allard, Scott Gagne and Michelle Gagne Ballard; grandchildren, Manon, Ian Allard; Carter, Spencer, Gagne and Sydney Gagne-Jack; Jackson, Lewis, and Eleanor Ballard; and his great-grandchildren, Neveah, Manon Jr, Zander Allard; and baby Brooks Jack.
Al is preceded in death by his parents Almanzar Sr. (Lillian) of Chicago; his brother, William Gagne; sisters, Dolores Gagne (Earl) Johnson, Claudette Gagne (Don) Birns; as well as his son, Keith.
As requested by Al, there will not be a funeral service or memorial. In lieu of flowers or donations, take a moment to think of Al when you are enjoying a Northwoods activity or watching the Bears.
Your memories and condolences are welcome and will be shared with the families: email to mgbeditorial@gmail.com PAID OBITUARY
