Gary G. Vanatta

Gary G. Vanatta, age 81, passed away at home with his family by his side on Friday, March 1, 2024. He was born October 6, 1942, in Tabor, Iowa, the son of Darrell and Dorothy (Forney) Vanatta. Gary married the love of his life, Kathryn Joanna Kidd, in 1970 and together they had 3 children: John, James, and Trisha.

Gary served his country for 13 years in the US Army, including time in Vietnam, where he was severely injured during combat. He later graduated from the US Army Advanced Engineering School at Fort Belvour, Virginia. His fondest army achievement was working with a team that developed night vision used by military pilots.

As he closed out his Army career, Gary began a 49-year career in the cranberry business as a natural extension of his agricultural upbringing. He started by buying Vanatta Cranberry. After upgrading that marsh, he joined with several partners and established City Point Cranberries, LLP, which he continued to actively manage until shortly before his death.

In addition, he built Van Rom Cranberry Marsh and his family marsh, Remington Cranberry Company, LLC. As he began building cranberry marshes, he developed a separate business which concentrated on cranberry marsh construction, planting services, and consulting services to other growers.

Gary always said that he got up every day doing something he loved. He truly enjoyed watching the crop mature and being a part of the harvest.

Gary is survived by his children, John (Wendy), James, and Trisha, and grandchildren, Avery, Lucy, Phoebe, Jack, Summer, and Ruby. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Kathy, in 2012, his brother, Denny, and nephews, Jeff Vanatta and Rick Madison.

Gary had a long and invested interest in Up River Gun Club, among other organizations. He also enjoyed spending opening duck season, opening deer season, as well as Sunday football games out at the City Point Cranberries shack. Most of all he enjoyed having cookouts and gatherings with his grandchildren.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at 9:00 am at the Herman Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral services will commence at 11:00 am, with burial to follow in the Port Edwards Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be designated to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.