Service Details
Services for Gary will be live streamed from Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Saturday, April 11, 2020 at 10:00 am with Pastoral Intern Debbie Hartfield and Rev. Dr. Warren Williams officiating. Only the IMMEDIATE FAMILY will be present at the funeral home. You may witness this service live by accessing the live stream link at https://youtu.be/_oc9Vf3EUrI on Saturday beginning at 9:45 am (service will start at 10 am). Private entombment will follow at Graceland Cemetery.
Memorial Suggestions
In memory of Gary, offer a kind deed to someone in need. Memorials to the “Gary King Scholarship Fund” (which will be established for aspiring brass band students) have been suggested and can be sent to Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home.
Racine – Gary James King, age 77, passed away at Aurora – St. Luke’s Medical Center in Milwaukee on Saturday, April 4, 2020 after suffering a stroke on Friday evening.
A lifetime resident, Gary was born in Racine on January 10, 1943 to the late James and Jewel (nee: Lange) King. He graduated from Washington Park High School in 1961. He faithfully served our country with the US Army National Guard for nearly 7 years. On April 19, 1969 in Atonement Lutheran Church, he was united in marriage with the love of his life, Cynthia M. Eckert. They proudly celebrated their 50th Anniversary with their beautiful family last year.
With profound faith, Gary was a devoted member of Living Faith Lutheran Church, formerly known as Atonement Lutheran Church, where he served the congregation in many ways, including as a performing musician, usher and eventually as a leader on the church council. Gary was a co-founder and current President of Belle City Brassworks, spreading his talent and love for music throughout Southeast Wisconsin for over three decades. Gary developed his passion for music at an early age, when he and his brothers joined the Racine Kilties Drum and Bugle Corps, where Gary played Soprano Bugle (trumpet). Gary developed life-long friendships with his corps mates and eventually was bestowed the honor of being elected to the Kilties Hall of Fame.
Surviving are his loving wife, Cyndy; their devoted sons, Ryan & Brandon King; adored grandchildren, Jayden, Zachary, Kennedy & Olivia; brother, Lance (Nancy) King; brother-in-law, Ron (Christiana) Eckert; sister-in-law, Kathy Eckert; nieces, nephews, church family, Brassworks family and many friends. During this time of extreme isolation, the family is comforted by thinking about the love, kindness and faith that our husband and father shared with this world through his optimistic personality and love for music. Gary was exceptional at giving grace to all he encountered, even when grace was not expected.
In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by his brother, Bruce King; Cyndy’s parents, Donald & Muriel Eckert; and brother-in-law, Donald Eckert.
Services for Gary will be live streamed from Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Saturday, April 11, 2020 at 10:00 am with Pastoral Intern Debbie Hartfield and Rev. Dr. Warren Williams officiating. Only the IMMEDIATE FAMILY will be present at the funeral home. You may witness this service live by accessing the live stream link at https://youtu.be/_oc9Vf3EUrI on Saturday beginning at 9:45 am (service will start at 10 am). Private entombment will follow at Graceland Cemetery. In memory of Gary, offer a kind deed to someone in need. Memorials to the “Gary King Scholarship Fund” (which will be established for aspiring brass band students) have been suggested and can be sent to Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home.
A heartfelt note of thanks to the entire staff of Aurora – St. Luke’s Medical Center for the compassion and support they gave Gary and to our family last Friday & Saturday. May God bless all of you!
Jim Eisenhut says
To Cynthia &family and to brother Lance ..Please accept my deepest sympathy with Gary’s
passing. I will always remember Gary a a CHRISTIAN, a family man, and a a kind person.
Knowing the KING family since my days at Gilbert Knapp school has always been delightful.
Jim & Marilyn Eisenhut–Surprise Arizona
Cathi Webster says
Cyndy, I am so sorry to hear of Garys passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Cathi
Les and Sue Chambasian says
Our condolences to Cyndy and the entire King family. As lifelong friends we shared so many wonderful memories. Rest In Peace Gary.
Les and Sue Chambasian
Maggie Gruenwald says
My sincere condolences to you, Cyndy, and family. Gary was often the first person I saw on Sunday mornings and always with a smile!
Love to you all.
Karen and Fred Mlados says
I see in Renaissance paintings that angels have brass instruments also.
Robert Callahan says
A true true gentleman. WWBD!
Vicy Arnold says
My deepest condolences to the whole family. Gary was a kind, generous soul who always had a positive attitude. He was as constant as the walls at Living Faith, and we will miss him dearly.
John Denhartigh says
I will cherish the years we had together, you were a true dear friend whom we could share everything. I will miss you terribly. Thanks for the memories since childhood. Love you always…….John Denhartigh
Barbara L Elmer says
My love and prayers at this time of profound grief, sorrow and loss.
Chris and lisa yeagle says
Our thoughts and prayers to the king family.
Don and Jeanne Tyree-Francis says
Thinking of you Cyndy and family. Gary was so devoted to his family and had a deep faith. I will miss his smile and laughter and friendship. We are praying that you will feel Gods comfort and peace.
Marlene Lamberton says
Cyndy and family. I am deeply sorry for your loss. I worked closely with Gary for many years, and always enjoyed seeing him at Woodman’s when I shopped there. His humor and his positive attitude allowed him to rise above any obstacle and made him fun to be around. Besides being a talented musician, he was an even better person and a true Christian. You are in my prayers.
DENNIS HINEN says
A good friend in the Kilts and in high school. So glad that we we able to reconnect after many years. My prayers and love to the family
Peggy Abbott says
Cyndy just know how many prayers and much love for you and your family I am expressing. Gary will be so incredibly missed at Living Faith. He was always so loving and upbeat. We will also miss his musical talents and strengths. Sending many prayers and hugs once this awful Coronavirus is over. I look forward to worshiping with you in church as soon as we are able. I am so sad and sorry.
Al Clausen says
Knew Gary not so well as of late, but knew him through his Kiltie and Brassworks connections. He was a good guy with a positive outlook. Guys like him will surely be missed by those who knew him.
Rhonda French says
There are not words that can express my sincerest condolences for your loss. He blessed everyone he met with joy, warmth and always wore a smile. He was sincerely loved and will be profoundly missed. All our blessings,
Rhonda, McCartney and Campbell
Pete and Maureen (Scanlan) Toppel says
To the Gary King Family: Our hearts are broken to know another family member has now gone. home. I don’t think I ever saw Gary without a smile on his face. He was a joy to be around and I wish I could be with all of you to comfort you and let you know how much we loved him. He will be dearly missed. I know your hearts are broken as well. So unexpected; so difficult to accept. Pete and I will pray for you all. Sending hugs and kisses. Love, Maureen (and Pete) Toppel
Nancy Case says
Words don’t seem enough. My deepest thoughts and prayers are with you all.
We hope this time never comes but when it does the loving arms of God carry you through. May you feel His comfort and the thoughts and prayers of all those who love you. Gary will be deeply missed and his smile and optimism long remembered. With love.
Dave Richards says
I send my deepest sympathy to the entire family. Gary was an excellent music adjudicator with our judging association and a personal friend as well. God bless.
Shawn McCue says
I was fortunate to know all three brothers as a young Kiltie. They set the example for the younger members and laid the foundation for our championship years. WWBD
Pat king says
Ryan, Brandon, sorry for the loss of your Dad.
Jeff Syslack says
Gary and I were together for at least 6 to 7 years in the late 50’s and early 60’s when we marched in the Kilties. We also played trumpets in the Park High School band and graduated in 1961. Gary attended my Dad’s funeral in 2011 and last met with me at a Sunday concert in 2018. Our friendship spanned over 60 years! One of the best words to describe Gary: EXCEPTIONAL. Memories of those we love live forever in our hearts. May you find strength and comfort to help you through this time of sorrow.
Linda Fox says
Cindy I am so sorry for your loss…you and the boys are in my prayers….
Rick Michael says
To my golf partner. Rest in peace.
Dave Lyons says
Ryan you’re in my thoughts and prayers so sorry to hear about your loss you know you have a fellowship is there for you at all times again my prayers are for you and your family
Sue Poulsen Geiss says
Sending condolences to the King and Eckert families. Gary was a long time friend of the Poulsen family. May he rest in peace.
Linda Stearns says
Dear Cyndy , Ryan, and Brandon, Lance, and family’s,
My heart felt condolences go out to you . I’m so saddened to hear of your Great loss. I always thought the world of Gary and he will be missed by so many, Thinking of you All on this day with prayers and hugs. May God bless you and may all your wonderful memories of Gary help you through this difficult time.🙏🎶🙏
Jeff Lang says
Gary will be remembered as a generous and compassionate man. His time with the band we shared was a pleasure. R I P
Jen (Nutt) Gutierrez says
Ryan and family,
So very sorry for your loss. Sounds like your dad was a great guy! You all are in my prayers.
Joe Twist says
Rest In Peace Gary. Condolences to the King family.
Joe Twist
Pat Keefe Campbellsville, KY says
Deepest sympathy to the King family. I remember Gary, Bruce and Lance from the Kilties. R.I.P
cousin lynn says
to my wisconsin family-pat informed us of cousin garys passing last saturday-with hertfelt loss and condolences to all of you-especially to lance-i know how close you two were-he was truely a remarkable musician-he shared his love of music with the kilties-we were honored to be on the field when he was inducted to the hall of fame-many child hood memories between our families-still cant believe hes gone-all our love—BOB_LYNN SCANLAN_GROTZ and ERICA-
COUSIN BOB-LYNN SCANLAN GROTZ& ERICA says
to my wisconsin family-pat informed us of cousin garys passing last saturday-with hertfelt loss and condolences to all of you-especially to lance-i know how close you two were-he was truely a remarkable musician-he shared his love of music with the kilties-we were honored to be on the field when he was inducted to the hall of fame-many child hood memories between our families-still cant believe hes gone-all our love—
Sandy (Eckert) Sorensen says
so sorry for your loss. I send my prayers, love & hugs. Sandy (Eckert) Sorensen
Kurt Christensen says
I knew Gary for over 50 years. I only have positive sentiments concerning him. He would always take time to talk whenever I saw him. His genuineness he wore on his sleeve. I will truly miss Gary not being in this world. My heartfelt condolences to Cindy King and family.
Joanne (Hoffman) Milner says
Dear Lance,
So sorry about Gary’s passing. I have many fond memories of your family —- your Mom & Dad and you, Gary and Bruce.
Anonymous says
SORRY FOR YOUR LOST, AND MAY GARY RIP, MUCH LOVE ALWAYS..AME..
Perry Lee says
Gary was a good friend and golf buddy whenever I was in Racine. He would always step up if someone (I) was in need. I miss my good friend and golf buddy. May he rest in peace. May God bless and comfort his family.
⛪🎺🎼🎶🙏