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Rest in peace our good friend! We'll miss you!
Gary Jaje Obituary
Obituary published on Legacy.com by Strasser-Roller Funeral Home on Jun. 17, 2024.
Gary Allan Jaje of Antigo embraced his faith in Jesus face to face on June 14, 2024 at home surrounded by his family at the age of 72. He was under the care of LeRoyer Hospice.
Gary was born on July 21, 1951 in Milwaukee to the late Rudolph and Betty (Gaudette) Jaje. Gary graduated from Antigo High School, class of 1969. He went on to work as a Vice President of a conglomerate of companies. He was united in marriage to Doreen Gravitter on April 24, 1971.
Gary was a member of Christ Central Church. He loved and lived his faith. He was a prayer warrior and was known as a protector of the shepherd. He also served as an interim pastor of several churches, as well as a deacon. He and Doreen opened their home to many to lead bible studies. Being gifted with numbers, he served as a trustee and council member for many churches. Gary was a talented singer and devoted his voice to the Lord. He was known for his fairness, generosity and encouragement. He had a kind heart that couldn't be worn out. Gary enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and watching sports. He was a supporter of all his children's and grandchildren's life events. In his later years, Gary loved vacationing with Doreen anywhere warm and by the ocean. Gary was a school board member of the Unified School District of Antigo. His most treasured time was spent with family and grandkids.
In addition to his wife Doreen, Gary is survived by children; Michael (Michelle) Jaje of Antigo, Daniel Jaje of Antigo, and Jody (Brian) Hoppe of Aniwa, sister; Jeanne (Nathan) Merwin of McNaughton, brother; Randy (Kelly) Jaje of Pickerel, grandchildren; Logan (Angelique) Jaje, Zach Jaje, Kaleb (Megan) Jaje, Emma Jaje, Ava Jaje, Nolan (Morganne) Hoppe, and Elise Hoppe, and a great grandchild; Reid Jaje. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, sisters-in-law, and brothers-in-law.
A celebration of life service for Gary will be held on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Faith Center Church in Antigo. His current Pastor, Pastor Danny Pyeatt and his brother-in-law, Pastor Steve Price, will officiate. Visitation will take place on Monday, June 24, 2024 at Strasser-Roller Funeral Home from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and again on Tuesday at the church from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Burial will follow the service at Elmwood Cemetery.
A memorial will be established in Gary's name.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gary, please visit our floral store. http//www.strasserrollerfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Gary-Allen-Jaje
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Pamela Simon (Roffler)
Gary Jaje in high school, I knew.The Gary Jaje in the obituary, I did not, but I'm sure I would have liked him! So thankful for that life!
Pam
Christine Schimmels (Spute)
I have many wonderful memories of Gary after high school, especially. Spending time with Gary, Doreen and Mike were some of the best! Rest in peace, good friend...you are loved!Larry Legro
Shocking!
Did not have the privelege of being in classes with Gary, but I did play against him in County League Hardball, hitting my first center field, grand slam home run, off his pitching on the Birnamwood diamond approx. 1970. I used to drive home from Madison on weekends during the season to play for Brookside County League. Spoke to Gary at the 50th( 3 years ago) so was very surpirsed at his passing, he looked great . We had a few laughs about baseball back in the day. I, like Pam, who also commented here , did not know the Gary from the obit, but I am impressed-he is now a very distinguished class mate ("mate"), I too have been a lay leader in my Lutheran Church filling in to lead worships when I am called to fill in. Rememer how we all used to dread speaking in front of the classes or at assemblies, etc, etc? High school prepped me for that including being in some plays, where we had to learn lines and act, and you know what?.....its a real hoot, love doing it.
Godspeed Gary. A real human being ("without human beings the earth has no center"-Chief Dan Geroge, Little Big Man)
Michael Simon
Gary was one of the good friends I had from the Pickeral area during high school. He should go down in history as the guy who pulled off the post-graduation beer party without any hint of the cops figuring out where it was at. Plus coming up with the 3 or 4 half barrels of beer (from who knows where). Very resourceful guy! And obviously a strong Christian,...may he rest in peace.
Dennis Donohue
I got to know Gary way before high school as we spent every weekend during the summers in Pickerel on Crystal Lake. We went to their gas station to buy our boat gas. Sat across from Gary at the 70th birthday party and we reminised about the fun times we had up there. RIP old friend
Terry Ralph
In school, I found Gary to be a pleasant person to be around. He never displayed any anger or derogative comments toward others. Obviously, seeds that were planted many decades ago. My memories will be treasured forever more. I lost track of Gary after graduation, life got in the way for both of us, I am sure.
At our 50th Class Reunion we got reacquainted! He was the same pleasant guy from the one I new back in the 60's. He was respectful, a good listener and only spoke of himself when asked a specific question. There was something gravitational about his demeanor and actions. I see now from his obituary what it was! He was a stellar active living Christian. Honesty, integrity, caring nature and attentiveness over flowed with love and attention. I found him to be one that my heart aches because I didn't get to spend more time with him. I feel blessed for the experiences I've had with Gary.
Job well done our good friend! I know you're in a place of your wildest dreams. Looking forward to our reunion in the next chapter!
Rest in Peace Brother!
Michael Tatro
I can't honestly say that I knew Gary terribly well while we were in High School, as we traveled in different circles at that time. BUT what I do remember, is that he always seemed to be a "Nice Guy". And that goes a long way with me. Nice, is good! It is all too often that we get news like this these days. Another friend/classmate gone, as the circle of life marches on and on.......Rest in peace Gary.
Scott Henricks
RIP!! Friend. So soorry to hear of your passing. Good memories of going out to Pickerel to see you and Tim. Stopping at Club 55.