Gary Paul Osadsky

Service Details

Services celebrating Gary’s life will be held in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 11:00 am, with a visitation from 9:00 am – 11:00 am, and a private family gathering afterwards. 

Gary Paul Osadsky, a lifelong resident of Racine, Wisconsin, passed away on October 12, 2025, at the age of 93. Born in Racine on May 3, 1932, Gary was the only son of the late Paul Osadsky and Venitta (Thompson) Osadsky, and beloved brother to the late Dawn Kawa (Osadsky).

Gary’s life was filled with simple joys and meaningful connections. He found joy in fishing along the shores of Lake Michigan, where he would spend hours talking with fellow fishermen and admiring the boats in the harbor. His love for cribbage was legendary, teaching the game to all his nieces and nephews, sharing laughter and friendly competition along the way. He smoked a pipe for years much to their delight and took pride in the cars he drove throughout the years.  Gary loved watching TV including classic movies and sitcoms, and old spaghetti Westerns that reminded him of simpler times.  Gary also had a love for food, with a sweet tooth especially for vanilla ice cream and cheesecake.  And every year he anxiously awaited his favorite meal of chicken puprecush, which was an annual Christmas Eve tradition since his childhood.

From a young age, Gary developed a strong work ethic working alongside his father in the family’s junk hauling business and later working for Kappas Bakery in Racine. In 1958, Gary began his career at Motor Specialty, Inc. in Racine where he worked as a CNC Machinist for 40 years.  He also enjoyed the camaraderie of Racine’s taverns, gathering with friends for a drink, an occasional cigar, or a fish fry.

Family was at the heart of Gary’s world. He treasured moments spent with his sister and her seven children, filling their lives with laughter, stories, and his unmistakable good humor. Gary’s storytelling was a gift—his memory for Racine’s history was remarkable, recalling events, places, and people with vivid detail. He was a walking encyclopedia of the city he loved, always ready to share a story or memory.

Gary’s generosity extended beyond his family and friends. He was a prolific blood donor, understanding the profound value of this gift and donating countless times throughout his life. Gary’s kindness, generosity, and spirited personality touched everyone who knew him.  While he was known to argue and holler on occasion, his heart was always open, and he would do anything for those he loved.

Gary will be deeply missed by his family and always remembered for his laughter, stories, and the warmth he brought to every gathering. He will live on in the memories of those who loved him, in the stories he shared, and in the kindness he showed throughout his life. May he rest in peace.

Survivors include his nieces: Kris Kawa of Pleasant Prairie; Kay Kawa (Jay) Terry of Racine; Ellen (Jon) Olsen of Wind Lake; and Eileen (Ty) Chacon of Union Grove; his nephews: Matt (Cyndee) Kawa of Plymouth, Adam Kawa of Paddock Lake; and Paul Kawa of Racine; as well as his grandnieces and grandnephews: Emily Terry, Ethan and Lindsey Kawa, Ryan, Abby, and Megan Olsen, Erin and Justin Holler, and Sophia and AJ Kawa.

Services celebrating Gary’s life will be held in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 11:00 am, with a visitation from 9:00 am – 11:00 am, and a private family gathering afterwards.

Gary’s family would like to express a heartfelt note of thanks to the entire care staff at Community Care, The Gardens of Mount Pleasant, Oak Ridge Care Center, Parkview Gardens Assisted Living, and Heartland Hospice for their care, patience and compassion for him in his final year.