Gary Delavin Briggs, 77, of Hayward, passed away on Saturday, August 1, 2026, with his devoted wife by his side.

Gary was born on September 29, 1948, in Spooner, WI to Burton and Geraldine (Smith) Briggs. He attended school in both Spooner and Hayward and graduated from Hayward High School in 1966. As a young age, he started working with his father at Harry’s Meat Market in Hayward and eventually owned and helped operate a butcher shop with his family, “Briggs Meat Palace” briefly in the early 1970s.

Gary dedicated his career to the military, serving 34 years in the Army National Guard and retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer 5 for the state of Wisconsin. In his younger years he enjoyed horseback riding, fishing and deer hunting. As he got older, his passion turned to feeding and observing the wildlife in his yard. His many “pets” included his beloved dog Beau, deer, turkeys, birds, rabbits and a pair of sandhill cranes.

He also enjoyed making homemade beef jerky and many, including his grandchildren and acquaintances, looked forward to receiving fresh bags of his secret recipe snack. He married the love of his life, Brenda Johnson, on May 23, 1997, and they had nearly 30 wonderful years together residing in both Montana and Wisconsin.

He is survived by his wife Brenda; children Jennifer Marshall of Barnes, WI, Sara Briggs of Mosinee, WI; bonus children Eric (Sarah) Mills, and Jamie (Tim) Butcher; grandchildren Melissa, Tony, Tyler, Lauren, Philip, Dylan, Kelsey, Hailey, Sydney, Jesse, Alanna and Caiden; 4 great-grandchildren; brother Lonny (Jean) Briggs and Randy (Ricki) Briggs. He was preceded in death by his parents and son Benjamin Briggs.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 7, 2026, at 11 am at the Hayward Funeral Home 15571 W County Hwy B, Hayward, WI. Burial with military rites will follow in the Greenwood Cemetery with a luncheon afterwards at the Steakhouse and Lodge. Friends and family may visit at the funeral home on Friday from 9:30 am until the time of service.

Last Update: Aug 05, 2026 9:21 am CDT