Harold J. Gavin, age 85 of Baraboo, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 16, 2010 at St. Clare Hospital.
Harold, the son of the late James and Elizabeth (McCormick) Gavin, was born on Sept. 30, 1925 in the town of Winfield, Sauk County. He served with the U.S. Navy during World War II.
Harold was united in marriage to Mary Lou Milfred on May 12, 1948 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Reedsburg. He was a partner with his brothers, Jim and Jack, in Gavin Brothers, Inc., and later with his nephew, Robert Gavin. His passion in life was being an auctioneer.
Harold was an active participant in his church and community and was a member of numerous organizations, including: St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Baraboo Knights of Columbus, American Legion Post No. 26, Baraboo Elks Lodge No. 688, Owls Club, Kashawaga Club, and the Wisconsin Auctioneers Association. He also served on the Sauk County Fair Board, St. Joseph’s Parish Council, and on the Board of Directors of Wells Fargo Bank (originally First National Bank).
Harold enjoyed playing cards with his many friends. He was especially close to his nieces and nephews.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou Gavin of Baraboo; his daughter, Jennifer (Joe) Guthrie of Denver, Colo.; his sister, Jean Kropp of Baraboo; a brother-in-law, Lynn Krug of Reedsburg; four sisters-in-law, Mary C. Gavin and Mary F. Gavin, both of Reedsburg, Jeanne (Harold) Hurley of McFarland, and Mary J. Milfred of Florida; a very special friend, Liz Elsen-Schlender; nieces; nephews; other relatives and many friends.
In addition to his parents, Harold was preceded in death by his brothers, Jim and Jack; three sisters, Lucille Krug, Helen Winchell, and Rosemary Gavin; and three brothers-in-law, Junior Kropp, Oscar Winchell, and Leon Milfred.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2010, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Baraboo with Father Larry Bakke officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2010, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Redlin Funeral Home, 401 Madison Ave. in Baraboo. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, the Sauk County Fair Association or the Baraboo Food Pantry.
The family would like to extend a Special Thank You to Dr. Flygt and the staff at St. Clare Meadows and St. Clare Hospital.
