Leo Gachnang

Leo O. “Red” Gachnang, age 89, of Wisconsin Rapids passed away November 29, 2025 surrounded by family.

Services will be at 1:00 P.M. on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids. Visitation for relatives and friends will be from 11:00 A.M. until the time of services on Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will be at a later date at Pioneer Cemetery.

Leo was born September 29, 1936 in Vesper, WI to Fred and Mildred Gachnang. He attended Natwick School and Pittsville High School.

He served in the US Army from 1959 – 1962, being drafted twice, serving one and a half years in Germany.

On November 24, 1962, he married Shirley Straetz. They were married 61 years until her passing in 2024.

Leo worked at Consoweld Corp until its closing and retired from Consolidated Papers Inc. – Wisconsin River Division in 1998 after 41 years of service.

In his retirement, Leo enjoyed golfing, especially with his granddaughter Cierra when she was old enough to swing a club. He spent many hours in his garage woodworking, fixing things, and drinking beer with his friends. One of his most special memories after retirement was going on the Never Forgotten Honor Flight with his daughter Lori in October 2022. His favorite times were when all the family would gather, especially grandchildren and their “pups”.

Leo is survived by his son, Thomas (Kim) Gachnang; daughter, Lori (Randy) Botcher; three grandchildren: Joshua (Jenny) Gachnang, Savannah Gachnang, and Cierra Botcher; many nieces and nephews; grandpup, Trixie; and three great-grandpups: Thor, Boba, and Fern. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Shirley; in-laws; and all of his brothers and sisters.

The family would like to thank the staff at Aspirus Wisconsin Rapids Hospital, Aspirus Hospice, and especially the ICU staff for their wonderful care of dad. As dad said, “I sure have some good-looking nurses!” They were always there to hold his hand.

Herman-Taylor Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family.