Gary Lapotka, age 61, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Fri. Nov. 27, 2015. He was born Jan. 13, 1954 at Fort Bragg, N.C . to the late John and Mary (Stafford) Lapotka. Gary graduated Madison East High School, class of 1972. He later attended the University of Wisconsin, Madison and obtained his Masters in Natural Resource Management from Texas A&M University.

Gary married Linda Dedering on July 30, 2005. Gary had a passion for the outdoors and fishing, he looked forward to the times spent at the cottage on Lynx Lake, and enjoyed walking the trout streams of South Western Wisconsin. Family always came first to Gary. He was a proud grandpa who loved his grandchildren and looked forward to teaching them how to swim and fish; and also cherished the time he spent taking care of his parents while they gently passed away. He was a family leader and he will be missed by many.

Gary is survived by his wife Linda; 2 sons, James (Carol Lynn) Lapotka of St. Ignatius, Mt.; Joe (Katherine) Lapotka of Mt. Horeb; 2 stepsons, Brian Dedering of Boston, and Johnathan Dedering of Madison; 3 grandchildren, Cora Mary, John Edward, and Ava Elizabeth Lapotka; 2 brothers, David and Gerald Lapotka both of Madison; a very close cousin, Tom Fugette; and his childhood best friend Richard Wilkinson. He is further survived by other relatives and many friends.

As per Gary's wishes, a private service for close family and friends will be held at the Lynx Lake Cottage in the summer of 2016. His ashes will be spread into his favorite fishing holes.

The family will not be holding a public memorial service or a viewing for Gary, but you are all encouraged to celebrate his life and memories as you see fit. Remember him while you fish. He was a great man. He was the best father.