Gary R. Dotzauer

Gary R. Dotzauer was called by the Supreme Commander to his final resting place Sept. 18, 2025, at the age of 81.  

Gary is survived by his wife of 31 years Barbara and his loving children Julie (Pram) Adriansjach, Brett Dotzauer, Michelle (Jeff) Lucas and Tony (Krystal) Wittemann. He was the proud grandpa of Riann Adriansjach, Jordan (Mikaela Lucas), Isaac Lucas, Alexandria, Danielle and Jessica Kompsi-Wittemann and loving great-grandpa to Vinnie. 

He is further survived by his mother-in-law Germaine “Gerri” Yakel,  half-brother Craig Howe, sister-in-law Julie Hoffmann and brother-in-law Mark (Lori) Yakel, as well as nieces, nephews and, of course, we couldn’t forget faithful Mac and Molly, his beloved fur babies. 

Gary was preceded in death by his mother Lois (Dotzauer) and stepfather John Howe, mother-in-law Joyce Stevens-Yakel and father-in-law Phillip Yakel. 

Gary spent the majority of his working years in the corrugated box industry driving trucks, retiring from Pioneer Container/International Paper after 40 years.

Gary answered his country’s call to arms during the Vietnam War by becoming a proud Marine. Gary was active in many veteran’s organizations. He was a 50-plus year member of the Hamm-Miller-Diedrich American Legion Post 145 in Random Lake, Wis., serving at all levels of leadership. He also belonged to his beloved 40 et 8 La Société des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux (The Society of Forty Men and Eight Horses), an independent, by invitation, honor society of American veterans.  He was working to obtain the high position of Grand Chef de Gare (which is the state commander), along with many other state and national positions.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at Eernisse Funeral Home, 1600 W. Grand Ave., Port Washington, WI 53074. The family will receive friends and relatives in a time of visitation from noon to 2 p.m. 

Memorials in Gary’s name may be donated to Dogs to Dog Tags, N4717 County Rd. M, Plymouth, WI 53073, or the 40 et 8 Nationale POW/MIA Scholarship Program.

Thank you to “Auty” Betty and Marybeth for the special friendship and love over the years. A very special thank you to all of Gary’s “girls” at Forest Home Assisted Living in Fredonia and Preceptor Hospice.

Eernisse Funeral Home of Port Washington is assisting the family with arrangements.  

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