John Garske
John Ronald Garske passed away peacefully with his wife and children by his side on June 25, 2026.
John was born on May 24, 1934, in Wausau, Wisconsin, to James Garske and Katherine (Knaack) Garske. He attended St. Mary's Elementary School in Wausau and graduated from Newman High School in 1953. John enlisted in the U.S. Army and served during the Korean War. He was stationed in Vicenza, Italy, as an Assistant Auto Rifleman with Company E, 350th Infantry Regiment, and was honorably discharged in June 1956.
After military service, John returned to Wausau and began working for Acme Tree Surgery, which took him throughout central Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula. While working in the Eagle River area, he met the love of his life, Barbara Skalecki. They were married on August 27, 1960, and made their home in Eagle River. John later joined the Vilas County Highway Department, where he worked for 37 years before retiring.
He enjoyed gardening, woodworking, hunting, snowmobiling, camping, and playing horseshoes. John's greatest joy was spending time with his family. Nothing brought him greater happiness than his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
John is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Barbara; his children, Barry (Linda Maly) Ryan, Gina Osmolski, Kathy (Dennis) Kwasny, Ronald (Deana) Garske, Carrie (Rob) Clarizio, and Robert (Kim) Garske; 14 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; his brother, Leon Pagenkopf of Kansas; his brother-in-law, Donald Skalecki; and his beloved dog, Baby.
John was preceded in death by his parents; his son, David Garske; his brothers, James Garske and Duane Pagenkopf; and his sister, Mae Bell Garske.
At John's request, no memorial service will be held. His family will remember and celebrate his life privately.
Arrangements by Gaffney-Busha Funeral Home, Eagle River. Online condolences may be expressed at gaffney-busha.com
