Garry Puariea

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Garry E. Puariea, age 86, at Wausau Aspirus Hospital. He was born in Plover, WI, June 24, 1938, and passed on January 21, 2025. He was the son of Homer Puariea and Edith Puariea Holstein. He attended Franklin Elementary School and graduated from Wausau East High School in 1956.

He joined the National Guard in 1955. He was called to active duty during the Cuban Missile Crisis and after returning home transferred to the Army Reserves where he, as a Major, retired 25 years later.

Garry began his employment with the Marathon County Sheriff's Department in 1974. He graduated from the University of Louisville Southern Police Institute in Lexington, Kentucky and after several position changes, he became a member of the group that put the 911 emergency phone service into operation. He retired from the department after 19 years of service.

Garry was also a member of the Wausau Elks Lodge #248 for 47 years. He was named 'Elk Of The Year' in 2008 and after retiring from the sheriff's dept spent many hours doing volunteer work there until his health prevented him from doing it.

Garry in his younger years was a Harley rider and enjoyed many long trips on his motorcycle. He was fortunate to be part of the Never Forgotten Honor Flight to Washington D.C. in April, 2018. He very often commented on the wonderful experience.

Garry was a hard worker and well-liked by all that knew him. He will be greatly missed.

He is survived by two sisters; Patricia (Robert) Hanlon of Cape Coral, FL and Marilyn (the late Norman) Beecher of Schofield, WI; two nieces; Terri (Daniel) Erickson, Hatley, WI and Debra (Matt) Barber, Springboro, Ohio and one nephew, Mark (Julie) Beecher, Oshkosh, WI. Garry is further survived by other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Alan, and Donald.

A memorial service will be celebrated February 5, 2025, at Brainard Funeral Home-Everest Chapel, 5712 Memorial Court, Weston, at 11:30 am. Visitation will be from 10:00 until the time of services.