Obituary of Harvey J. Gygi

Harvey J. Gygi, age 77, of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away peacefully November 30, 2016 at Arborview Court. Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, December 10, 2016 at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids. Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 P.M. on Friday and from 10:00 A.M. until the times of services on Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will take place at a later date at King Veterans Cemetery in Waupaca, WI. Harvey was born on September 26, 1939 to Harvey and Harriet Gygi at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chippewa Falls, WI. After graduating high school, Harvey served in the United States Air Force from 1958 through 1962 with the 363rd Tactical Reconnaissance Group. He was stationed at various bases, serving primarily at Yakota Air Base in Fussa, Japan, outside of Tokyo. After leaving the Service, Harvey went to work for the State of Wisconsin Highway Department working on a survey crew as an engineering aide. In the fall of 1965, Harvey moved to Wisconsin Rapids to be near his love, Gwen, who was teaching home economics at Lincoln High School. He worked at the newly opened Woolco Department Store as the manager for both camera and sporting goods departments until its closing in 1983. After nearly 20 years in retail, Harvey worked for the National Federation of Independent Businesses. Soon after, he began independently selling air filters and other types of filtration products for the Glasfloss Filter Company. Some of his fondest memories were the trips he and Grew made to Canada, from Winnipeg to Quebec. Harvey enjoyed being with his children and grandchildren, serving in the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, and long-distance road bicycling. One of Harvey’s most memorable rides was with his son, Bret, riding 130 miles from Wisconsin Rapids to Holcombe, on a summer Saturday. Harvey’s favorite dessert was pie. Before his heart attack in March of 2002, Gwen could be found in the kitchen baking one of his favorites almost weekly. He loved photography, fishing, hunting, art, music, sightseeing, British mysteries and comedies, and his work. Harvey was a strong believer in family and community service, and especially loved his charity work through the Elks. Harvey was a Life Member of the Wisconsin Rapids Elks Lodge #693. At the local level, he was twice named Elk of the Year and twice elected as Exalted Ruler. At the state level, Harvey was elected as Wisconsin State President and appointed District Deputy-Grand Exalted Ruler. In addition, he served on numerous state committees. At the national level, he was appointed Special Deputy for the Grand Lodge from 1988 to 1999 and also served as a Grand Lodge Sponsor in 2002. In 1990, he started what became known as “Harvey’s Ride” for the Elks National Foundation scholarships. Together, he and others helped raise over $150,000 for the fund. Harvey is survived by his wife, Gwen Gygi. One daughter, Heather Gygi (Patric Neyens), of Wisconsin Rapids, and one son, Bret (Dinah) Gygi, of Ballwin, MO. He is further survived by two sisters: Marilyn Gawlik and Rochelle (Robert) Froehlich. Two grandchildren: Alex Ruediger and Trinity Gygi. Nieces and nephews: Kim, Layne, Barry and Todd as well as many cousins and friends. Harvey is preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law: Tim Gawlik, and niece: Cathy. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated in Harvey’s name to the Elks National Foundation, Alzheimer’s Association, Leigh Yawkey Museum, South Wood County Food Pantry and Heartland Hospice. “A limb has fallen from the family tree; I hear a voice saying, do not grieve for me. Remember the best times…the laughter…the song…the good life I lived while I was strong. Continue my heritage, I’m counting on you. Keep smiling and the sun will shine through. My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest, remembering you all and I was truly blessed. Continue traditions, no matter how small. Go on with your lives, don’t worry about a fall. I’ll miss you dearly so keep your chin up until we are together again.” The Gygi family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Arborview Court and to Heartland Hospice for the excellent care they provided Harvey over the past year.