Gary Dean Dueholm, 72, of Turtle Lake, Wisconsin, died on Aug. 5, 2025, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. He was born Oct. 11,1952, in Amery, Wisconsin, to Raymond Cecil and Erlice Alma (Nelson) Dueholm. Gary grew up on the family farm along with his two brothers and four sisters.
He was married at St. Matthew Lutheran Church on Aug. 27, 1977, to Betty Koenig and they shared almost 48 years together.
After graduating in 1971 from Luck High School, Gary began working at Erickson’s Holiday as an assistant meat cutter. He heard that Hartzell Manufacturing was hiring and he began working as a press operator. He learned every possible factory position and was a dedicated and loyal employee for nearly 40 years, before he had to retire due to health conditions.
He was a closed door romantic. He had a heart filled with compassion and tenderness, which not everyone had the privilege to see. With every new foster child he and Betty welcomed into their home, his heart glowed with kindness and love. This compassion continued to the animals and pets around him and every time he saw children having fun. He was proud of his shack that he built in the woods, and his tractor, which was originally his father’s. He enjoyed building his model 1800s homestead, throwing hawks, gardening, taking care of his yard and farkling with friends.
He is survived by his wife, Betty Dueholm; children, Shawn Dueholm, Shannon Dueholm Edwards and Angela Mason; special foster daughter, Tarah Wehr; and 18 additional, deeply loved foster children; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; sisters, Dorothy (Harvey) Roberts and Patsy (Wayne) Shirley; brother, Allen (Kathy) Dueholm; nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family and friends. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond Cecil Dueholm and Erlice Alma (Nelson) Dueholm Wallich; stepfather, Harold Wallich; siblings, Raymond Duane Dueholm (passed at the age of 7 months), Marie (John) Bazey, Linda (David) Nystrom and Raymond Roger (Mary) Dueholm Sr.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 11, at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Almena, Wisconsin, with Pastor Ike Nicholson officiating. Burial is at Zion Cemetery in rural Almena following the service. Pallbearers are Gary DeGolier, Bruce Stafne, David Skrupky, Allen Sellent, Rick Sellent and Duane Bazey. Honorary pallbearers are Roux Dueholm and Vern Penard. Visitation will be from 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 10, at Skinner Funeral Home, Turtle Lake, and one hour before the service at the church.
Skinner Funeral Home of Turtle Lake is serving the family.
