BROWNSTOWN
Gary Alan Wischmeier, age 75, of Brownstown, passed away peacefully on Wednesday evening, July 31, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Mr. Wischmeier had a strong faith, and he was a life-time member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Wegan, where he was baptized in Christ on June 25, 1949, confirmed in faith on April 15, 1962, and united in holy marriage to his high school sweetheart, Elly. He held various church offices, was extremely proud of his Lutheran faith, and was diligent in raising his family in the church.
Gary was loved beyond measure by his wife, Elly, children, and grandchildren, and he cherished spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He also loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and activities and going on family vacations, as family was very important to him.
Farming was a passion for Gary. He was a life-long grain farmer, working alongside his father, brother, and son, Tom, throughout the years. During his farming career, he was extremely proud of his International Harvester equipment and was often found on the living room floor “toy farming” with his grandsons. Gary was also a dedicated bus driver for the Brownstown Central Community School Corporation, retiring after 30 years of service. He truly enjoyed his bus route, and he loved greeting the children with a smile each morning on Bus 27. Throughout his retirement, he enjoyed sitting on the front porch with his family and friends.
Gary served in the National Guard for six years as PVT officer, and he also served on the Brownstown Central Community School Corporation school board for several years.
Born on June 8, 1949, in Seymour, Gary was the son of Alvin “Pete” and Ruth (Peters) Wischmeier, both of whom preceded him in death. On December 19, 1971, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Wegan, he married Eleanor “Elly” Trueblood, and she survives in Brownstown.
Survivors also include two sons: Paul Wischmeier of Medora, and Tom (Joanah) Wischmeier of Brownstown; two daughters: Beth (Trent) Shelton of Freetown, and Anna (Lucas) Spencer of Freetown; eight grandchildren: Luke (fiance Lauren Voss) Shelton, Addison Shelton, Drew Shelton, Dylan Wischmeier, Caden Wischmeier, Landon Wischmeier, Rhett Spencer, and Rossi Spencer; one sister, Debra (Stephen) Klinge of Vallonia; one brother, Keith (Nancy) Wischmeier of Vallonia; one adopted brother, Michael Wischmeier of Florida; one foster brother, Ed Dannis of Texas; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Besides his parents, Gary was also preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Vance and Roxie Trueblood; and adopted brother, Mark Wischmeier.
Funeral services for Gary Alan Wischmeier will be conducted at 12:00 noon on Monday, August 5, 2024, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Wegan, with Pastor Joel Meyer officiating. Friends may call from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 4, 2024, at Spurgeon Funeral Home, Inc., Brownstown, and from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 12:00 noon on Monday, August 5, 2024, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Wegan.
Interment will follow at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Wegan Cemetery.
Memorials may be given to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Wegan, Lutheran Central School, or Schneck Medical Center Hospice.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the caring staff at Spurgeon Funeral Home, Inc.
Online memorials and condolences may be given at www.spurgeonfh.com