Gary Charles Harrer, 85, of Spring Valley, passed away peacefully at Spring Valley Living Memory Care on September 11, 2025, with his son and wife by his side.

Gary was born March 9, 1940, in Superior, WI, the only child of Charles and Veino (Maki) Harrer.

After high school, Gary entered the Wisconsin Army Reserves where he served as a medic. Following his time in the reserves, Gary earned a BS at the University of Wisconsin – Superior, graduating with a focus on pharmacology research.

After college, Gary was employed by the Mayo Clinic in pharmacology research, retiring in 1992 after 30 years of dedication. While working there, he met, fell in love with, and married Geraldine “Geri” Growden. Together, they raised two sons, Shawn Joseph, and Craig Charles. Gary and Geri recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.

The Harrers enjoyed spending time together fishing, eating pizza, playing cards, watching Walker Texas Ranger, eating s’mores around the campfire (or any dessert, ‘Papa’ as he was known to his grandchildren, wouldn’t turn it down), and just relaxing by the lake.

Along with his wife, Gary enjoyed traveling to Florida in the winter and spending summers on Sturgeon Lake, where he always had something to putz around with.

Gary is survived by his wife Geri, son Craig (Heather), four grandchildren; Johannas (Amanda), Miranda, Kenneth, and Delaney, and one great-grandson, Shawn. Gary was preceded in death by his parents and son, Shawn.

Gary requested cremation and no services, so the family will be having private celebrations for Gary. We will eat a lot of pizza, go fishing, and reacquaint ourselves with Chuck Norris.