Service Details
Family and friends are cordially invited to gather at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory on Friday, February 28, 2025.
Visitation will be from 10am-12pm with a memorial service to follow at 12pm.
Memorial Suggestions
In lieu of flowers, memorials have been suggested to Johnson Park Golf Course, Petrified Springs Golf Course, or the Wisconsin Humane Society Racine Campus.
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MOUNT PLEASANT – Surrounded by loved ones, Gary Dean Landa, age 72, passed away peacefully, but unexpectedly, at Froedtert Medical Center in Milwaukee. Gary was the youngest child of Arthur and Harriet Landa (nee De Garis). He was preceded in death by his older brothers David, Richard, Robert, and Dale. He is survived by his only sister, Winnie DiChristopher, of Racine. Additionally, he is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. He was a proud graduate of Case High School “Class of 1970”.
In his early working years, he was employed by Seven-Up and then later, Frito-Lay, Inc. He was initially employed as a delivery driver working his way up to the position of District Manager for both Racine, Kenosha, and Lake Geneva. It was a position he excelled at and was very proud of. Only Frito-Lay snacks were allowed in the Landa household! His district would go on to be # 1 in sales for the state of Wisconsin for the next fifteen years until his retirement.
In 1981, on Valentine’s Day, Gary married his junior high sweetheart, Barbara McNeill, who he had met in his ninth grade English class at Starbuck Junior High many years ago. Together they raised a son, Benjamin, and daughter, Lauren, and shared forty-three wonderful years together. His passing occurred one day before their Valentine’s Day anniversary marking forty-four years.
Gary was kind, personable, generous, and he was a gentleman. He was a CAR GUY who loved to collect American muscle cars and was fortunate enough to own many throughout his lifetime. He was an artistic and creative man who built many radio-controlled cars and could fix anything around the house. He took particularly great pride in his spectacular outdoor Christmas decorations that surrounded his home.
Gary was an avid golfer who participated in a men’s golf group on Mondays at Petrifying Springs, a Tuesday morning golf league at Johnson Park Golf Course, and he was a current member of Kenosha Country Club. Besides his loving devotion to his wife and children, golf was one of his most treasured hobbies.
Gary was an appreciator of natural beauty and faithfully fed the many birds and deer that frequented his wooded backyard. He also loved his tender moments snuggling with his little white schnauzer, Josie. Gary will be forever missed by his wife, Barbara, his daughter, Lauren, and son, Benjamin.
Family and friends are cordially invited to gather at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory on Friday, February 28, 2025. Visitation will be from 10am-12pm with a memorial service to follow at 12pm. A private interment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been suggested to Johnson Park Golf Course, Petrified Springs Golf Course, or the Wisconsin Humane Society Racine Campus.
Cindy J Nicotera Pisanello says
So sorry to see this. Knew Gary for a lot of years. Nice guy. My sympathy to his family.
Todd Cline says
Gary, was a class act and just a great person.
One of the best people I have had the pleasure to know.
God Bless him!
Anonymous says
Sorry to know Gary is no longer with us. Winnie my sympathy
PAMELA sattler CLASS of 1970
Case High. GOD bless
Jay Butler says
Barb and family, you have my deepest sympathy regarding Gary. He was a great guy. I always liked running into him, we always had a lot of laughs. My thoughts are with you during this sad time. Jay Butler
Larry Larson says
I had the privilege of working for Gary at Frito Lay out of the Sturtevent facility and later Union Grove. Not only did I consider Gary my boss but a good friend as well. A really good guy. Great memories on the golf course as well. Gone to soon. I will miss him. 🙏🙏
Nancy Sander says
So sorry to hear about Gary’s untimely passing. He was a wonderful human being. Friendly , helpful, humble and compassionate. He loved his home and family deeply. My sincere sympathies to the family. I’m sorry for the loss of your dear father and husband. Love u Barb!
frank Cerminara says
Only met Gary a few years ago on our Monday night golf league, but he soon made me feel as though we knew each other for years. He will be sadly missed.
My sincere condolences to the Family.
Frank D'Acquisto says
Very sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. Barb and Gary were neighbors of ours years ago BC, (Before Children.) Some wonderful and fond memories. Later and more recently, I would see Gary at Johnson Park Golf Course, were we caught up on each other’s lives. He was a class “A” gentleman every step of the way. Our sympathies to Barb, Ben and Lauren.
Megan King says
Mrs Landa, I am so very sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. You both were such kind lovely people. I grew up with you, your husband and your children at St Luke’s Episcopal Church. Those were great years. May God bring you and your children comfort in this difficult time.
Lisa Savatovic says
Oh Gary…
I am so sorry I will never get to see you again.
All of us at Forward Dental Racine loved you.
You, Barb, Ben and Lauren are the reason I do this job.
Thank you for always being so kind to me. So patient when I made you wait.
I will miss talking about our dogs, Mexico vacations and comparing your simular existence with Barb and your children and dog children to me and my parents and brother and dogs.
I loved talking with you.
You always made me feel
Like I made a difference.
You are one in a million Gary.
I’m sorry I wasn’t there to comfort your family today.
I wasn’t brave enough as my own sweet mother’s (age 74) funeral was Feb 26. My dad needs me so much right now.
Barb, Ben and Lauren, my heart is broken for you. Josie too.
Please don’t be afraid to come in.
I empathize with you and am living very similar pain.
All my love,
Lisa Savatovic, RDH