Gary Heried

Gary Heried, age 81, of Viroqua passed away quietly Monday, November 15, 2021, at his residence. He was born March 1, 1940, to the late Arnold and Evaline (Turner) Heried. Gary graduated from Soldiers Grove High School in 1959, and started to farm on his parent’s farm. After the family farm was sold, he started to haul milk for a few years and then found a job working for a company that installed jukeboxes and games into bars and restaurants. While he was installing jukeboxes, a friend introduced him to his future wife, Karen Dopson. Gary and Karen married on January 27, 1957, and moved to Sparta where they started their family. After a few years, they moved to Monroe, where they lived until 1997, when they moved to the Viroqua area. Gary transferred to the Wal-mart in Viroqua and started to work at the township dump, where he met a lot of lifelong friends. Gary and Karen gardened and grew vegetables and fruits together, selling them at the farmer’s market in Viroqua. They also had many friends and neighbors come by the house to purchase produce when they weren’t in town. Gary loved kids; he was a father of three, but a foster father of about 50 children. Gary and Karen took their foster children fishing and out on the boat; they raised their children like they were their own. He was also a boy scout leader for Green County for about 10 years. Gary and Karen were also 4H Leaders for about seven years together for Richland County. When there were country music concerts in La Crosse, Gary and Karen were always there. They also went to Nashville, TN to the Grand Ol’pre. At his home, Gary enjoyed watching the wildlife in his backyard, especially with all his birdfeeders. Gary and Karen’s land and home was their dream and paradise. Gary was big with any child he spent time with; he always spent time with them whether it was teaching them about the land or playing games with them. He also made sure that all his neighbors were taken care of. All of his family, friends, and neighbors will miss him dearly. Gary is survived by his wife of 61 years, Karen; two sons: Jeffery (Blanch) Heried and Shane Heried; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; his brother, Richard (Lynn) Heried; his sister, Rebecca Dregne; 52 foster children; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Gerri Lynn; a brother-in-law, Larry Dregne; and many aunts and uncles. A memorial service will be held in the spring. Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua is serving Gary's family. 123 W. Decker Street Viroqua, WI 54665 (608) 637-2100