Obit: Potocnik, Gary Drew (1950 - 2010)

Contact: Dolores Mohr Kenyon

Email: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 
 

Surnames: Potocnik, Kowalski, Prill, Pfalzgraf, Lane, Amacher  
 

----Source: Thorp Courier (Thorp, Clark Co., WI.) February 10, 2010 
 

Potocnik, Gary Drew (26 October 1950 - 1 February 2010) With Flag 
 

Gary Drew Potocnik, age 59, passed away peacefully at his home on February 1, 2010, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous battle with cancer. 
 

He leaves his loving wife and soul-mate, Bertha May, of twelve years. They had many happy years, and rode that long winding road together. 
 

From his first marriage to Lynn M. Prill, he leaves three sons: Drew, Shane, and Shannon Potocnik of Owen; one daughter, Brittana Potocnik of Eau Claire; and a stepson, Mitchell Lane from MA.  He also leaves his sister, Judy (James) Pfalzgraf of Thorp.  Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Rudy and Hattie (Kowalski) Potocnik of Owen. 
 

Gary was born on October 26, 1950, at Medford Clinic Hospital, and resided in the Owen area for the duration of his life.  He graduated from Owen-Withee High School in 1968.  He then graduated from District One Technical Institute of Eau Claire for Automotive Repair in June 1970.  Gary served his country in the U. S. Army at Fort Hood Texas, from 1970 to 1972.  He worked for Wood Motors in Eau Claire, Ryona Body Shop in Withee for 13 years, and Kramers Plumbing and Heating in Medford.  Gary was self employed in HVAC under the name of Country Side Heating and Air Conditioning until his passing. 
 

Above all, Gary loved his Harley motorcycles.  He enjoyed the total freedom of riding his bike, with the wind blowing in his hair and riding that open road. Gary loved working and painting his cars and built a special motorcycle for his wife.  IN addition, Bertha had a 1976 Corvette Stingray which Gary and sons tore apart, rebuilt, stripped, repainted and added chrome side pipes, another one of Gary’s special projects.  He fished, gardened, cooked, canned and froze his own food, some of which came from deer hunting.  He loved his road trips with Bertha May.  One of the trips he couldn’t ride his Harley was on their trip to Hawaii.  He always wanted to return and revisit once again.  He was very much in touch with each member of his family. He especially was so very proud of his children.  That was a special priority. 
 

His funeral was at Nazareth Lutheran Church in Withee, WI, with Pastor Nancy Amacher officiating.  A Military service was held at Meadowview Country Club in Owen.   
 

Many thanks go out to Gary’s Cancer Specialist, Dr. Kahn, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield.  He was very special to Gary, his wife and family.  Also, to his staff who treated him with such dignity. Thanks to the Owen Ambulance Responders for their prompt service, St. Joseph’s Hospital, the Palliative Care Unit, and the Ministry Home Care Hospice Services.  Their help was especially kind and guided us through Gary’s last hours. We thank Maurina/Schilling Funeral Home who assisted us with their services.