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Vercauteren, Mid-Am Founder, Passes Away
Gary Vercauteren, 55, 7101 Jack Pine Rd., Baileys Harbor, died unexpectedly
Friday October 7th , 2005. He was born February 28, 1950 in Green Bay to the
late Harold and Regina (Gerrits) Vercauteren. He graduated from Abbot Pennings
High School and St. Norbert College in De Pere. On July 27, 1991 he married
Kay Schaefer. Following graduation from college, Gary started his newspaper
career as editor of the Chilton Times-Journal. In 1979 he purchased the
Chilton Times-Journal publishing company and sold the business in 2001. After
selling his business Gary and Kay moved to Door County where he pursued his
racing series full time and also coached high school football.
His lifelong passion of motor sports began in 1967 when Gary submitted his
first article for Midwest Racing News. His racing exploits continued when he
began working for Wisconsin International Raceway. He helped to create the
Red, White and Blue State Championship Series at Wisconsin International
Raceway which recently celebrated its 34th anniversary. He also served as
public relations director for Wisconsin International Raceway and the Fox
River Racing Club for many years. He published the official racing programs
for Wisconsin International Raceway since the 1970’s. In 1992 he created the
Mid-American Stock Car Series which includes the Mid-Am cars and trucks, ASL,
MARS and Stock Car Classics Series and he traveled extensively throughout the
Midwest to many race tracks.
Gary also had a passion for coaching high school football. He coached at De
Pere, Chilton, Sevastopol and Gibraltar schools. He had finished coaching his
last game for Sevastopol minutes before his death. Gary was the Sevastopol JV
football coach and was also the varsity offensive line coach. He was extremely
proud of the JV’s record of five wins this year along with the varsity’s
first win in over 20 years.
Gary had a sincere love of nature, wildlife, fishing, landscaping and he also
enjoyed cooking Thanksgiving dinner. Gary was keenly aware of current world
events and enjoyed hosting election night parties.
Gary had been involved in many civic organizations including the Chilton
Optimist Club, Rotary, Jaycees of Chilton and Reedsville and the Sister Bay
Lion’s club. He received many awards throughout his lifetime including the
Wisconsin Fans for Auto Racing “Support of Auto Racing” award along with
awards from Chilton Speedway, Fox River Racing Club and the Wisconsin
Newspaper Association.
Gary is survived by his wife, Kay and by his children Jennifer and Keith,
Milwaukee and John at home. He is survived by two brothers, Pete (Donna) and
Jim both of De Pere and two sisters Diane (Tom) Stepien, Howard and Donna
(Mike) Kelly of Appleton; father and mother in-law Robert and Rita Schaefer,
sister in-laws Jean Schaefer, Sandra (Jim) Propson, and brother in-law Michael
Schaefer all of Stockbridge. He is further survived by numerous friends and
relatives and by his beloved pets Sparky and Whiskers.
Friends may gather at Huehn’s Funeral Home in Sturgeon Bay (1414 Michigan
St.) for visitation Tuesday 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held
Wednesday at St. Mary’s of the Lake Catholic Church in Baileys Harbor (Hwy
57). Visitation will also be held Wednesday at the church from 9:00 to 11:00
a.m. with the funeral mass and burial to follow. A memorial fund has been
established in Gary’s name.
Online condolences may be sent to midam@greenbaynet.com.
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