Gerald Gary “Poge” Darling, age 63, a resident of the Wisconsin Veterans’ Home at King, formerly of Waupaca, New London, Wild Rose, Pine River and the Redgranite area, passed away peacefully Saturday afternoon, Oct. 22, 2016 at King, following a courageous battle with lung and brain cancer. He was surrounded by the love of his family.
Gary was born October 29, 1952 in Wild Rose, a son of Robert Stanley and Shirley M. (Bunk) Darling. He was raised in the Wild Rose, Pine River, and the Redgranite areas. He served his country in the United States Army and Wisconsin Army National Guard from 1968 to 1972 during the Viet Nam era. Gary worked in communications as a field wireman. He qualified both as an Expert Grenadier, and Rifle Sharpshooter. He had been stationed in Germany and the United States. He completed his reserve military obligation in the Wisconsin Army National Guard. Following his time on active duty in the Army, Gary was married to Lori Griffin of Redgranite from 1972 to 1995. Gary and Lori had two children, Melissa and Sean. Gary had been employed in maintenance at Festive Foods in Waupaca, and as an auto mechanic at Stiebs Jeep-Eagle Dealership and at Fleet Farm, both of Waupaca, until he retired due to his illness. He lived in Waupaca and in New London, until becoming a resident of the Wisconsin Veterans’ Home at King about a year ago. Gary enjoyed fishing. Most of all he loved his family- especially his children and grandchildren. He was grateful for the care he received at King, and for the companionship of the members there. He liked people, and was well liked by everyone- especially the residents and staff at King. Nicknames are popular in his family. Many of Gary’s family and friends knew him by his nickname, Poge.
Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Melissa and Andrew Wick; and his son, Sean Darling, all of New London; his grandchildren, Christian Josie, Bailey and Georgia Wick, all of New London; his brothers and sisters, Steve (Cindy) Darling of Waupaca, Brenda Garlock of Lake Geneva, Roman Duhm of Omro, Bill Duhm of Redgranite, Phyllis (Mike) Zimmer of Omro, and Danny and Greg Darling, both of Antigo. Gary is also survived by aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many good friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Shirley.
Funeral Services for Gary will be held Friday, October 28th at 1:00 p.m.. at the Ruminski Funeral Home in Redgranite. Pastor Rich Engle will officiate. Following these services, Gary will be laid to rest with full Military Honors in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Wild Rose. Visitation: Relatives and friends may call at the Ruminski Funeral Home in Redgranite from 10:00 a.m.. to 1:00 p.m. Friday only prior to the time of services. Should friends desire, memorials will be appreciated in Gary’s memory in place of flowers. The Ruminski Funeral Home in Redgranite is serving the family