A big man’s loving heart stopped beating on August 7, 2024. Gary James Cummings Sr passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home. He was surrounded by his daughter Michelle, wife Donna, and two wonderful hospice nurses, Pauline and Karen.
Gary was born in Neillsville, WI on February 1, 1947, to James and Gladys Cummings. On December 26, 1965, he was married to Sandy Nordahl. Together they had four children, Michelle (Chris) Ericksmoen, Amy Mercer-Beck, Gary Cummings Jr, and Jason (Rebecca) Cummings. They later divorced and Gary married Donna Zimbauer in 2003. She brought to him four stepchildren, Chad, Casey, Kelly, and Corey Zimbauer.
Gary’s work consisted mainly of law enforcement, protecting the citizens of Jackson County as a deputy beginning in December 1967. Gary became the Sheriff of Jackson County in January 1985. When his career in law enforcement ended in January 1991, Gary could be found behind the wheel of an eighteen-wheeler as he and Donna traveled all of the United States and Canada.
When not working Gary could be found out on the water fishing in his boat, or in his tree stand hunting. He was an avid fisher and hunter, but when the day was done, he would come home to his best buddy, his beloved dog Hunter. Gary also spent much of his time being his grandchildren’s biggest fan, supporting them at their various athletic events.
Gary had two sisters and one brother, Judy Smith, Dale (June) Cummings, and Barb (Pete) Schmidt, along with 19 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Gary also had many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Gary loved to socialize and had many, many friends. He was very well known in the community and enjoyed talking with everyone, always a story to tell.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents James and Gladys Cummings, his brother Dale, two sons-in-law James Mercer and Tim Beck, his father and mother-in-law Dean and Esther Schultz, his sister-in-law Connie Engen, his brother-in-law Ricky Schultz, his stepson Chad Zimbauer, and two beloved beagles Gunner and Daisy.
Gary enjoyed a wonderful life, but when he was diagnosed with lung cancer, he always said life is too short. Cherish each and every day as time slips away! He will be deeply missed.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 15, 2024, at the Grace Lutheran Church in Alma Center. Visitation will be at 11:00 AM with the service at 1:00 PM. We will then proceed to the East Lawn Cemetery in Alma Center for burial. A luncheon will be held back at the church in the fellowship hall.
With love and peace from the Gary Cummings family.