Gary A. Sanders

Gary Allen Sanders, age 85 of Boscobel, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 21, 2025. He was born in Boscobel on June 13, 1940, son of the late Perry and Agnes (Stuckey) Sanders.

Known for his constant smile and gentle words, Gary lived a life rooted in hard work, creativity, and a deep love for his family. Throughout his life, he was a familiar and welcome sight across Boscobel, where he spent countless hours raking yards, mowing lawns, and shoveling snow for his neighbors. He brought that same dedication to both Dick’s Supermarket and the Crawford County Opportunity Center. His happiest hours of employment, however, were spent working alongside his brother, Lyle, cutting and clearing wood in the hills near Boscobel.

Gary "loved everything and anything bells." He found beauty in their details and joy in their sound.  Over the years he collected and meticulously refurbished more than 50 bells including: heavy train bells, clear-ringing schoolhouse bells, dinner bells, and many more. In addition, he enjoyed working with wood and metal.  He had a knack for turning raw materials into something special, and gladly shared his projects with others. 

Gary also loved his family—and Christmas. He had a legendary sweet tooth and looked forward to holiday treats every year. His favorites were: chocolate-covered cherries, decorated cutout cookies and Donna’s peanut butter balls.  In fact, family members lovingly remember cookies tucked safely into his pockets for the ride home. He was a very kind-hearted soul . . . just as sweet as the cookies he loved. 

Gary is survived by his nieces Cindy (Terry) Sanders-Schenck of Sister Bay, WI, Sheila (Jamie) Adams of Waunakee, WI, and Sheryl (Scott) Hamilton of Waterford, WI; nephew Scott (Kelly Luskey) Sanders of Madison, WI, along with other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Lyle (Donna) Sanders.  The family personally wishes to thank Sunnyside East Group Home in Dodgeville and Upland Hills Hospice Care whose compassionate staff provided exceptional care and support for Gary.

A private funeral service for Gary will be held at the Kendall Funeral Service with Rev. Lance Wetter officiating. He will be laid to rest in the Boscobel Cemetery. Online condolences can be offered at www.kendallfuneralservice.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Gary’s name to Upland Hills Hospice Care in Dodgeville, WI.

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