Gary R. Corsi

CRYSTAL FALLS, Mich. - Gary R. Corsi, 78, of Watersmeet, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 3, 2014, at the Iron County Medical Care Facility.

He was born on Oct. 9, 1935, in Watersmeet. He attended Watersmeet schools, graduating with the class of 1954. After high school, he attended Gogebic Community College. Gary was a veteran of the U.S. Army.

He married Sharon (Champeau) in 1959 and settled in Antigo, Wis., where they raised four children and he had a 32-year career as a State Farm Insurance agent.

Gary married the former Arlene Dellies in Tucson, Ariz., in 1996, and they celebrated their 18th wedding anniversary this past April. After retirement, he shared his time between Watersmeet and Tucson.

Gary leaves his wife, Arlene; his loving children, Kris (Bill) Page, Larry (Christine), Steve (Barbara), and Brian; and grandchildren, Nicholas, Emma, Maria and Tony. Gary also leaves his wife's son, Dean (Val) Norris. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon; and parents, Bethyl (Reichardt) and Dominic.

Gary was a passionate outdoorsman and sports enthusiast, spending a great deal of time hunting, fishing, golfing and playing baseball. He passed on his enthusiasm for the outdoors in numerous ways by teaching his children the love of outdoor activities and participating in sports education, providing opportunities for others such as hunter's safety instruction, fly fishing instructions for youth and disabled veterans, and coaching youth basketball.

He was also active in outdoor organizations such as Ducks Unlimited, served as a host for an outdoor radio program in Antigo, and served as race director and chairman of the U.S. Snowmobile Association race sanctioning committee. Gary was a member of St. John's Catholic Church in Antigo.

Gary was known to always have stories of his successes and follies in hunting and fishing, and a humorous twist to any conversation with friends and family, who will all miss his very friendly nature.

A visitation will be held at the Strasser Roller Funeral Home, 504 Edison St., in Antigo, on Friday, Aug. 8, 2014, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to honor Gary, and condolences may be expressed to the family of Gary R. Corsi online at jacobsfuneralhomeir.com.

Funeral arrangements were made by the Jacobs Funeral Home of Iron River.