Gary Eugene Deal, age 69 of Hudson, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family on December 25th, 2024.

Son of Betty and Charles Deal, Gary was born in Hudson, WI on July 25th,1955. After graduating from Hudson High School in 1973, Gary joined the US Air Force and served honorably until 1977, deploying to Thailand during the Vietnam War evacuations. Gary married his high school sweetheart, Vickie Toutant in 1974, and was stationed at Luke Air Base in Phoenix, AZ as well as in Duluth, MN. After his service, Gary attended Dunwoody technical school, and went on to start his own heating and air conditioning, and water treatment businesses.

As a small business owner, Gary was well-connected to many in our community. He was active in the Hudson Boosters program as a coach as well as volunteering for the United Methodist Church of Hudson in which he was a lifelong member. After selling his business, Gary worked in automotive sales. He enjoyed his semi-retirement driving a school bus for the Hudson School District where he made positive connections with the staff members, and above all, his students.

Gary had great love and devotion to his children Ryah, Lindsey, and Adam and their spouses Eugene, Brian, and Laura. Gary was also a proud and fun loving grandfather of seven. His love for hunting, fishing, and cheering on the Packers was a passion that was quickly passed down to his children and grandchildren. Gary will be remembered as a humorous and easy-going man who could befriend anyone that he met and cared deeply for anybody that crossed his path, even if it was for just a moment.

Gary is survived by his wife of fifty years and soulmate, Vickie (Toutant), children Ryah (Eugene) Hofbauer, Lindsey (Brian) Miller, Adam (Laura) Deal, seven grandchildren (Nora, Cullen, Rhett, Reece, Brooks, Rozlyn, and Ellie). He is also survived by brothers Randall (Doreen), Charles (Patricia), and Thomas (Lori), as well as many nieces and nephews. Gary is preceded in death by his father Charles, mother Betty (Daniels), and Father and Mother- in-Law Lloyd and Betty Toutant.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to his army of healthcare professionals, Hudson United Methodist Church, O’Connell Funeral Home, and many friends for their dedication to Gary and his family.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 18th, 2025 at Hudson United Methodist Church from 9:30-11:00AM followed by a memorial service and military honors at the church. Following the service, please join us for an open house lunch celebrating Gary’s life at the St. Croix Marina in downtown Hudson.