Gary L. Rechcygl

Gary Rechcygl passed away unexpectedly on September 27, 2026, at the age of 78, following a beautiful final weekend surrounded by many of the people, places, and traditions he loved.

Born in Milwaukee on August 1, 1948, Gary was the son of George and Leila (Feilbach) Rechcygl. He grew up in Mequon and graduated from Homestead High School in 1966. Some of his fondest early memories were summers at the family cottage on Big Green Lake, where boating, family gatherings, and days on the water helped shape a lifelong love of lakes and boats. Just days before his passing, Gary was enjoying the newly renovated Pewaukee Yacht Club, visiting with generations of friends gathered for the E Blue Chip, the prestigious end-of-season sailing regatta in which his son, Chad, and granddaughter, Gemma, were competing. That weekend, he also attended a friend’s wooden boat show, talking, laughing, and reconnecting with dozens more friends. It was a fitting final weekend for a man whose life was filled with friendship, sailing, craftsmanship, and family.

Gary is survived by his beloved wife, Susan (Anderson) Rechcygl, with whom he had just celebrated 47 years and five days of marriage; his son, Chad (Victoria) Rechcygl; and his grandchildren, Gemma and Roman Rechcygl. He is further survived by his siblings, Dennis (Pat LaBreque) Rechcygl, Judi Forbes, Dale Rechcygl, and Scott (Colleen) Rechcygl; his brothers-in-law, Bill (Sandra) Anderson, Dan Anderson, Kevin (Mary Jo) Anderson, and Brian (Lisa) Anderson; and many cherished nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. His nieces and nephews include Shane (Niki) Forbes, Austin (Laura) Rechcygl, Kelly (Josh) Ward, Angela Forbes, Sarah (Steven) Tetzner, Joseph (Kelly) Rechcygl, Andrew Rechcygl, Zach (Kendra) Rechcygl, Maddie Rechcygl, George Rechcygl, Suzie Rechcygl, Shane  Anderson, Jessica (Brian) Stehli, Jared (Heidi) Anderson, Becky Anderson, Jamie (Jenny) Anderson, Christopher (Amanda) Anderson, Elizabeth Anderson, Emily Anderson, and Melody (Ron) Herman.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, George and Leila; his brother-in-law, Steve Forbes; and his sister-in-law, Fran Rechcygl.

Gary was the founder and president of Orthopedic Concepts, a sales representative company specializing in orthopedic implants. He loved his career and the people he met through it, building many friendships that lasted well beyond business. His wife, Sue, ran the office alongside him as the company grew, and for many years Gary also employed his mother, allowing him to support her while keeping family close.

Outside of work, Gary’s interests were anything but casual. When he loved something, he embraced it completely. Sailing was a major part of his life. Gary was an active member of Pewaukee Yacht Club, where he raced his E Scow, Smuggler, and A Scow, Quantum Leap. Over the years, he could also be found helping with race committee, supporting regattas, cooking fish fries, and enjoying the camaraderie of the club. He took tremendous pride in watching Chad, Victoria, Gemma, and Roman become part of the sailing and ski communities he loved.

Gary’s love of boats extended beyond racing. He was an active and founding member of the Glacier Lakes Chapter of the Antique & Classic Boat Society, serving on its board, helping organize boat shows, and proudly displaying his award-winning 1956 Chris-Craft Continental, “Double Trouble,” throughout the Midwest and Florida.

For years, Gary and Sue also traveled with friends to the British Virgin Islands, chartering sailing yachts through some of their favorite waters. Gary became a certified boat captain, combining adventure, friends, warm weather, and sailing.

Another important chapter began with the Sitzmark Ski Club, which traveled by bus to ski destinations throughout the Rocky Mountains. But the most important thing Gary found there wasn’t a mountain. It was Sue. What began through skiing became 47 years of marriage and a lifetime of family, friends, adventures, and memories.

Gary could build, repair, modify, or improve almost anything. Perhaps his greatest project was the beautiful home he designed and had built on Pewaukee Lake, where he and Sue raised Chad and lived for more than 30 years. A talented woodworker, he created beautiful pieces for family and friends and frequently donated his work to charity auctions. Many homes now hold something Gary made by hand, which are now tangible reminders of his precision, generosity, and care.

He was also the definition of a DIYer. Gary seemed to own every tool ever made, and if he didn’t have the one you needed, chances were good he would soon acquire it. There wasn’t much he wouldn’t attempt himself, and he was always willing to lend his tools, knowledge, and hands to someone else’s project. At the time of his passing, he was halfway through restoring a 25-foot Sea Skiff, a project he had long wanted to tackle.

That attention to detail extended to his meticulously maintained lawn, which became so recognizable among family and friends that it earned its own unofficial name: “Chad’s Dad’s Grass.” Those who knew Gary know exactly what that meant.

Gary loved music and movies and was a true audiophile, always pursuing the best surround-sound system, television, or piece of equipment. Watching a movie or listening to music at Gary’s house was not meant to be subtle. When everything was set correctly, the entire house might shake—which was precisely how Gary liked it. He enjoyed concerts by artists including Jimmy Buffett, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Bruce Springsteen, and Neil Diamond, and was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers football, and Wisconsin hockey. He also loved the many dogs that shared his life over the years.

One of the clearest themes of Gary’s life was the unwavering love and support he gave his family. He believed deeply in Chad and whatever his son pursued. Gary provided the best education he could, competitive sailing equipment, private lessons, hockey gear, elite training camps, tools, advice, and countless hours helping with projects and challenges. That support helped Chad win many sailing regattas and multiple national iceboat championships, compete through years of hockey, and ultimately earn his Doctor of Chiropractic degree so he could serve his community. Through every pursuit, Gary was there helping, encouraging, and believing in what his son could accomplish.

Gary leaves behind things he built, boats he restored, races he sailed, projects he completed, friendships he cultivated, traditions he helped create, and stories that will undoubtedly get better with every retelling. More importantly, he leaves behind a family who knew without question that he believed in them, friends from every chapter of his life, and generations who will remember his craftsmanship, humor, determination, generosity, perfectionism, and unmistakable way of doing things. Gary spent his life building things to last. His legacy will do the same.
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Memorial Service
Gary’s memorial service will be held on Friday, October 9, 2026, at Krause Funeral Home – Brookfield, 21600 W. Capitol Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin
Visitation: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Memorial Service: 2:00 PM in the chapel
Following the service, family and friends are invited to gather for a toast at the Pewaukee Yacht Club, N22W28204 Edgewater Drive, Pewaukee, Wisconsin, as we continue celebrating Gary’s life.
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Memorial Giving
In the spirit of the unwavering love, encouragement, and support Gary always gave his son, Chad, the family asks that, in lieu of flowers, you consider helping bring to life a vision that has been on Chad’s heart for many years. Memorial gifts will be used as seed funding to launch Kingdom’s Touch Health, a nonprofit organization dedicated to equipping individuals, families, and communities to better steward the gift of their health through education, service, and faith-centered principles.

Your gift would not simply honor Gary’s life. It would help carry forward the legacy of a father who believed deeply in his son, while planting the seeds of a ministry created to impact lives, strengthen families, serve communities, and leave a lasting legacy for generations to come. Help carry Gary’s spirit of encouragement forward.

To make a contribution to Kingdom’s Touch Health, gifts may be made in the following ways:
By Check:
Please make checks payable to Chad Rechcygl and mail to:
116 N. Dylan Rd.
Wales, WI 53183

Virtual Giving:
Venmo: @chad.rechcygl
PayPal: rexyv177@hotmail.com
Please include “Memorial Gift” in the memo or note section.
All memorial gifts will be placed in a separate account designated specifically for the development and launch of Kingdom’s Touch Health Ministry. (Please note: Kingdom’s Touch Health Ministry is currently in the start-up phase and has not yet received tax-exempt status. Therefore, gifts made at this time are not tax-deductible).