Gary Hans Karlstad, age 66, of Elmwood, WI passed away Friday, June 5, 2020 at United Hospital in St. Paul, MN. He was born on December 24, 1953 in Eau Claire, WI to Alvin and Joyce (Peterson) Karlstad. Gary graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1972. On October 18, 1975 he was united in marriage to Jill Nelson in River Falls, WI. To this union two children were born, Keith and Kelly.

Gary was a very knowledgeable parts man of many types of vehicles for most of his adult life. He enjoyed fixing up old cars and also woodworking. Being very generous Gary was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone that asked for his help. He could fix almost anything.

Family was an important part of Gary’s life. He will be dearly missed by his loving wife of nearly 45 years, Jill Karlstad; his children, Keith (Sandy) Karlstad, Kelly (Bob) Weinfurter; his two adorable grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Korbin; his mother, Joyce Karlstad; siblings, Allen (Kathy) Karlstad, Bruce (Chris) Karlstad, Wayne (Sharon) Karlstad, Cheryl (John) Ross, Sue (Tom) Borst, Charlie (Julie) Karlstad. He is further survived by his mother-in-law, Mary Nelson; sisters-in-law, Cheryl (Tom) Saldivar, Tammy (Todd) Gansluckner; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Gary is preceded in death by his father, Alvin Karlstad; nephew, Craig Karlstad; father-in-law, Harold Nelson.

A Celebration of Gary’s life will be announced at a later date. Those wishing to send cards and condolences to Gary’s family may direct them to his family, or to:  The Family of Gary Karlstad, O’Connell-Benedict Family Funeral Home, 130 N. Grant St., Ellsworth, WI 54011.

Funeral services are entrusted to the O’Connell-Benedict Funeral Home of Ellsworth (715) 273-4421.