Gary Lee Banes

Gary Lee Banes was born on May 5, 1940, in Waterloo, IA, to William and Lorraine Banes of Traer, IA. He graduated from Traer High School in 1958. All the while he was in school and after, Gary loved messing around with cars and scooters. He worked at Lone Pine Service Station on highway 63. Sometime after he was drafted into the Army. He was stationed in Hawaii during his 2 years of service. While there, he joined a flying club to learn to fly and eventually got his private pilot’s license. Upon receiving his honorable discharge, he moved to Wisconsin where he worked for Ozark Airline on the flight line. Through many flight hours and hard work, he got his commercial pilot’s license. Gary flew as a captain for Air Wisconsin for many years.

In Gary’s free time you could find him on Lake Winnebago in one of his several boats or sharing a cup of coffee with his many friends. He really loved the lake and his “play time” on his boats. He lived on the lake for a time and at one point opened a marina across from his house to provide service on the boats of others. His favorite saying was “Let’s have fun in the sun!”

Gary passed away on March 25, 2025, in Lena, WI of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Survivors include: his brother Dennis (Chris) Banes; niece Sheri (Ski) Sadowski; nephew David Banes; ex-wife Mary Banes; stepdaughters Cindy (George) Otte and Lisa (Paul) Kallas; sister-in-law Judy Banes; niece Tami (Steve) Meyers; nephew Tim (Deanna) Banes and enjoyed time with many grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents William and Lorraine; brothers Richard and Donald Banes; Jeannie Banes as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A private graveside service will take place at a later date.

Gary will be laid to rest at Central Wisconsin Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, King, WI.

LAKE WINNEBAGO: Warmed by the sun, carried by the wind, cradled by the sea.. It's the ultimate Happy Place. Rest in Pease Gary and Now Go have fun in the sun. We love you Gary and will miss you