Service Details
Join us in celebrating Gary’s life, legacy, and punchlines on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home, 4600 County Line Rd, Mt. Pleasant, WI. Visitation begins at 10am, with a service to follow at 11am. Tissues optional, laughter guaranteed.
Memorial Suggestions
In Gary’s honor, please tell a joke, send a handmade card, or perform a silly dance when no one’s watching (or even better—when they are). He’d love that.
With a twinkle in his eye and a watercolor brush in his hand, Gary Irvin Muth took his final bow on June 18, 2025. He left the stage the same way he lived—gracefully, humorously, and probably with a pun on his lips.
Born in Cohasset, MN, to Ervin Muth and Beverly Boggs, Gary grew up in Farmington, MN where he learned the value of hard work, good humor, and how to make barn chores marginally more entertaining. A proud 1953 graduate of Farmington Public Schools, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served until 1956—likely entertaining shipmates between duties. Post-service, he attended the University of Minnesota for two years, possibly majoring in charm with a minor in “creative mischief.”
In 1958, he moved to Racine, WI, and married the love of his life, Sandra Creuziger. Together they raised three children and a legacy of laughter. Gary’s resume reads like the diary of a man on a mission to keep things interesting—he worked in advertising and media with WRAC Radio, BMA Advertising, Synergy Design, Bellweather Communications, and a dozen others, usually two at a time because, well, why not?
But Gary’s true calling was spreading joy—and he found his perfect outlet as a founding member of the beloved folk-comedy troupe The Merry Muggs. While serving in the Navy, Gary met Bob Albrecht, a friendship that would ultimately shape the next five decades of fun. That connection brought Gary to Racine, where the two teamed up with Bob Gall and Kay Jensen, forming a group that delivered music, laughter, and a hearty dose of good-natured silliness across Wisconsin for over 45 years. Gary was the troupe’s lovable clown—the one who could bring a room to roaring laughter, then quiet it with a heartfelt song or tender moment. He was a master at juggling both emotions… and bananas (IYKYK).
When not performing, Gary expressed his creativity through stunning watercolor art, designing one-of-a-kind cards and gifts that usually ended in tears—of joy, of course. If you ever got one, consider yourself part of a very lucky club.
He is survived by his children: Tad Muth, Samantha Wallace (Brad), and Jesslynn Frey (David); his siblings: Dequetta Masso (Tony) and George Muth (Sharon); his grandkids: Caleb Frey (Drea), Sarah Wallace (Ryan), Jonathan Wallace, Keegan Frey (Jasmyn), Lucas Wallace, and Maxwell Wallace; great-grandchildren: Easton and Theo ‘Weston’ Frey; and his laughter-loving best friend, Gail Ross.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Sandra, his parents, and his sisters Mydene Simpson and Emma Sapp. Somewhere, we suspect he’s already rehearsing Muggs material with them.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the Veterans Administration Community Care program for their outstanding support and compassion during Gary’s final chapter. Special thanks go to nurses Filitsa and Josie, whose kindness, humor, and attentive care brought comfort not only to Gary, but to all who loved him. They weren’t just healthcare providers—they were part of the team that made Gary feel like himself right to the end: valued, respected, and always up for a good laugh.
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