Gary Thomas Kies, 84, of Platteville died on Friday, January 18, 2019, at home surrounded by his wife and daughter after a 12 year battle with Alzheimer's disease which he faced with courage and humor. Gary was born in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin on May 4, 1934, the son of Amos Jr. and Mary (Grimm) Kies. He graduated from Janesville High School in 1952 and UW-Platteville in 1959.

Gary served in the US Army from 1953 to 1956. He worked for Grant County Social Services from 1959, until becoming the owner and operator of Kies Chevrolet, Buick and Oldsmobile in 1961, retiring from the car business in 1986. Gary then worked for Carl Nodolf Realty and later Bruce Shanley Realty. He served on the Platteville City Council and the board of directors of Clare Bank.

Gary married the love of his life, Penny Speth, on June 8, 1989 on Sanibel Island, Florida. Gary loved and respected nature, from sailing and fishing in the Caribbean to raising horses and gardening out at the Mound House. He enjoyed reading, traveling, and drinking coffee with his buddies at Ed's Cafe (Table 9). While Gary worked hard whether selling cars, mending a fence, or tinkering on the farm, he also loved soaking up the sun by the ocean. He treasured his annual trips to Sanibel with Penny and Kelli. Gary will be remembered for his sense of humor, intellect, kindness to animals and charisma.

He is survived by his wife, Penny; daughter, Kelli (John) Weichelt; grandson, Finn Thomas, and granddaughter, Nora Alice; two nephews, Bob (Sue) Kies and Steve Kies; 3 nieces, Dawn (Kevin) Murray, Denise (Gary) Smith, DeAnn (Tony) Johnson; sisters-in-law, Betty (Dick) Dellabella, Peggy (Butch) Bockhop; brothers-in-law, Bill (Sara) Speth, Phil (Sheri) Speth, Frank (June) Speth and nieces and nephews. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Robert Kies, Sr. ans sister-in-law, Carole Kies; father and mother-in-law, Dick “Bigfoot” and Alice (Holtz) Speth.

A special thank you to Michelle with Home Care Select, Dr. White and Kelsey, and Elaine and the late Bruce Shanley. Penny also wants to thank her immediate family for all of their care and support given to Gary over these years.

In keeping with Gary's wishes there will be no formal services. His family asks that you remember Gary by living life to its fullest, laughing every day and telling those you love how much they mean to you. The Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville, is serving the family. Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com.

Gary Kies

May 04, 1934 - January 18, 2019

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