Gary Householder

Gary Alan Householder of Cedarburg passed away peacefully at home on Friday, Oct. 14, 2022, surrounded by his family after losing his battle with sarcoma cancer.  He had just turned 66 years old on Oct. 8.

He was born in Milwaukee, Wis., to Carl Alvin and Ada Florence (Funk) Householder.

He graduated from Mauston Area High School with the Class of 1974. He went on to earn a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and then worked his entire 41-year career for CSD as a structural engineer.

He married his high school sweetheart, Debra DeeAnne Wheeler, on Sept. 16, 1978, and they lived in Milwaukee for a couple of years before moving to Cedarburg, where they raised their four children, Daniel (Shawnna) of Greenwood, Ind., Kevin (Nikki) of Fargo, N.D., Jamie (Thomas) Mutsch of Superior, Wis., and Kyle (Tristan) Householder of Tempe, Ariz.

In addition, he was the world’s greatest grandpa to Brady, Ethan, Adelaide, Clara, Jeremiah, Piper, Harold, Alvin, Miriam and Baby Shark (due any day).

In 44 years of marriage, Gary and Debra shared their love of travel during multiple adventures, including in Ireland, Iceland, Japan, China, St. John and Tanzania, in addition to 39 of the 50 United States.

Gary enjoyed coaching his sons’ teams in soccer, basketball, baseball and wrestling as they grew up, then loved watching them continue to play sports, never missing a game. His daughter threw him a curveball with ballet and piano, but he never missed an opportunity to listen or watch her perform.

He was very proud of all of his children’s accomplishments and the adults that they grew up to be. Following the love of his wife Debra and children, the grandchildren stole his heart from the moment they each entered the world.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, brother Rob Householder and his father-in-law James Wheeler.

Gary is survived by his wife, children and siblings Kim (Ken) Gabor of  Oconomowoc, Karen (Tom) Stoughtenger of New Lisbon and Janice (Mark) Nicholson of Tomah, sister-in-law Linda (Olson) Householder of Mauston and Carl (Jolene) Householder of Mauston.

A celebration of Gary’s life will be held on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, at Eernisse Funeral Home, 1167 Washington Ave., Cedarburg, WI 53012. The family will receive visitors at the funeral home from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Gary’s name may be made to the Sarcoma Foundation of America at curesarcoma.org/gary-householder/.

Eernisse Funeral Home of Cedarburg is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.