August George Garay

On Sunday, October 13, 2024, the family of August Garay had to bid “the cutest little old man to ever exist" farewell, as he peacefully slipped into heaven. August, better known to all as Gus, was a very loved man. He was born in Bennett, WI on June 24,1931 to Michael and Katerina Garay. He had seven siblings. He always enjoyed reminiscing about the farm with family and friends.

Gus served in the US Army for two years. He traveled to Hanford, Washington as part of his tour of duty.

 When returning home, he took a job for Clark Oil and was employed there for thirty-three years. He then accepted a position with Oneida Realty for fifteen years.

Gus married Mary Lou Castonguay on February 27,1960. They celebrated sixty-four years together.

Before, during and after retirement Gus loved to work in his garden. He looked forward to the planting season with excitement and enjoyed the harvest of his labor of love. He passed along his love of gardening to his sons and grandchildren who used to help Grandpa in the garden when they spent time with him. 

Gus was also a puzzle enthusiast. He enjoyed working on puzzles and was very good at it, right up until his time of death. Family members and friends at Villa would often sit down and quietly work puzzles with him. He would have the puzzles glued together and framed. These puzzles will be cherished by family and friends that were gifted them.

Gus leaves behind his wife, Mary Lou, his sons, Tony (Paula) Garay, Steven (Debbie) Garay, Richard (Mary) Garay; along with four grandchildren, Tim (Danielle), Jacob (Amanda), Amelia and Josie Garay; step granddaughter, Cassie (Mike) Baltes; step grandsons, Taylor (Allison) Johnson and Spencer (Liz) (Astra) Johnson, Elias and Kai Tuominen. He also was able to meet seven of his soon-to-be eight great-grandchildren. Griffin and Remy Garay, Brooklyn Baltes, Otto, Mae, Hugo and Ames Johnson. He always enjoyed seeing the little ones, they brought a big smile to his face.

His final year of life was spent at the Villa Marina. The kindness and love he experienced during his final year was beyond explanation. Gus made friends that became family. We would like to thank everyone who took such wonderful care of him this past year. There aren't enough adjectives to describe the level of love and care.

A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, October 20, 2024, visitation from 2:00-3:00 with a service beginning at 3:00 at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, 810 Belknap Street, Superior, WI.