Gary C. Hamilton, 72, of Elkhorn, went home to his heavenly Father Aug. 26, 2022, at his home, surrounded by his family. He was born July 7, 1950, in Randolph, Ohio, to the late Paul and Virginia (Jones) Hamilton.
He served in the U.S. Navy for six years. While he was in the service, he met his future wife, Diane Inkmann, and they were united in marriage on May 6, 1972, at St. Matthias Catholic Church in Milwaukee.
Gary and Diane celebrated their 50th wedding Anniversary at Riviera Maya in Mexico, a gift from their sons and families.
He was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church of East Troy, where he was very active, serving a tenure as president of the parish council, working many years at the parish Fall Festival and was a member of the Knights of Columbus and Helping Hands of St Peter’s.
He enjoyed spending time outdoors, and did extensive traveling in the United States and abroad with his family.
Gary was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. One of his most cherished roles was as “Grandpa” to his seven grandchildren.
Gary is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Diane; their sons, Jason (Vanessa), Christopher (Chelsey) and Justin (Ashley); grandchildren; Aidan, Madison, Geneva, Finn, Ty, Milo and Owen; brothers, Larry (Sandra), Robert (Jody), David and Jeff (Ann); mother-in-law, Kathlyn Inkmann, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and extended family members and friends.
He was further preceded in death by his father-in-law, Edward Inkmann, and brother, Andrew.
Gary was truly a “handy” man, enjoying building projects at his home, a skill he passed along to his three sons. He was an avid golfer and loved all sports. He loved coaching his sons’ soccer teams and also played soccer himself in the men’s league in East Troy.
Gary was very interested in antique cars and finally realized his dream when he purchased a 1940 Buick last year. Gary retired from Miller Brewing Company after working there for 31 years as a maintenance electrician.
Gary believed in community service and served as the president of St Vincent Depaul and again when that became Helping Hands of St Peter’s. The mission was still the same, helping those in need in the community of East Troy and Walworth County.
He was active in the East Troy Athletic Booster club, helping to build the first “Roamin Trojan” to sell concessions at the East Troy School’s athletic events, in which his sons were active participants. He loved working at Holiday Help, the Christmas program in East Troy to assist families who needed help with Christmas gifts for their kids.
The physical presence of this kind and caring man, will be greatly missed by his family and friends, but his gentle spirit will be alive in their hearts, always.
Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 3, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 1981 Beulah Ave., East Troy. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 2 and 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 3, at the church.
Interment will follow services on Saturday at St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Pancreatic Action Network at pancan.org/donate or Helping Hands of St Peter’s 1975 Beulah Ave., East Troy, 53120.
Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Homes and Crematory completed arrangements for the Hamilton Family. Online guestbook at www.haaselockwoodfhs.com.
