Gary Kauitzsch

Gary Wayne Kauitzsch passed away Jan. 29, 2021.

Due to the current circumstances, a celebration of life will be planned at a later date.

Gary was born on April 17, 1948 to Mildred Christianson Kauitzsch and Cecil Amandus Kauitzsch. He was born in Kyoto, Japan, as his father was serving as a pilot in the United States Army.

Gary was raised in Pottsville, where he graduated high school in 1968 and went on to graduate from Tarleton State University in 1971.

Immediately after graduation, he taught Industrial Arts at Richfield High School in Waco. Gary’s next venture led him to working for Otis Elevator in Dallas.

In 1975, Gary met his wife and lifelong partner, Suzanne, on a blind date, and they were married in 1977.

Also in 1977, Gary started working for Aurora Pumps where he worked as a regional sales manager for 15 years. In 1992, he and a partner branched off and established Hydro-Lectric Equipment, Inc. where he worked until he retired in 2020.

From a young age, Gary grew up and worked on his family’s farm where he gained a keen appreciation for farming, tending to animals and the value of a hard day’s work alongside his brother, Mike. During his summers in college, Gary worked on a commercial salmon fishing boat in Ketchikan, Alaska. Gary’s dedication and hard work at an early age carried into everything he accomplished including his success as a salesman.

Gary forged lifelong friendships throughout his many years and was well known for telling stories that kept you hanging on the edge of your seat until the very end. He had an infectious sense of humor and a laugh that brought a smile to everyone’s face.

Finding peace in nature, he was an avid fisherman, enjoyed camping with his fam ily and spending summers fishing with his nearest and dearest friends in Canada.

He had a voracious love for travel and visited over 20 countries.

Gary and his wife had an incredible journey of love. The two of them together traveled the world while creating so many enduring friendships and memories together. His love for his children was immeasurable, and they were his greatest source of pride and joy.

Gary was preceded in death by his mother and father.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 44 years, Suzanne; his son, Aaron (Krista) and daughter Lindsey; his grandchildren, Nolan, Knox and Madeline Kauitzsch; his brother, Mike Kauitzsch (Kellie); his best friend Lorilee Ortiz; Joseph Tatum; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.