Gary M. Ramsden, age 75 of Highland/Madison, passed away July 18, 2026, after a two-year battle with cancer. Gary, the youngest of nine siblings, grew up on a dairy farm near Highland. After graduating Highland High School he went to UW Madison for five semesters.
Gary was a lifelong mechanic and prided himself on being able to diagnose and repair almost anything with a motor.
He enjoyed many friendships, whitewater canoeing up North, riding his motorcycles, helping friends and family with mechanical repairs, playing fast-pitch softball as a pitcher, and especially cooking and gardening.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents Willard and Mildred (Hagenston) Ramsden, sister Geraldine (Frank) Brander, brothers: Warren (infant), Kenneth (Alice), Vincent (Carol), Alan (Sharon), and Gary’s ex-wife Kathi.
Survivors include brothers: Ronald (Kathy-fiancée), Paul (Kathy), Dean (Jane). He leaves behind many nieces and nephews and special friends Holly and Sandy.
A private burial service for family and close friends will be held August 15, 2026, at the Avoca Cemetery in Avoca, WI. This will be followed by a Celebration of Life for all who knew him at the Avoca Community Center at 401 Wisconsin Street, Avoca, WI from 12:00-3:00.
Memorial gifts of cash and checks (made out to the UW Heath Carbone Cancer Center) will be donated and dedicated to the research for cancer cures. Online condolences may be made at www.houckfuneralhomes.com.
A very special thank you to the incredible staff at Upland Hills Health in Dodgeville and Agrace Inpatient Hospice Care in Fitchburg. Your knowledge, compassion, and competence created a comforting environment for Gary and his family in the last few weeks of his life journey. Thank you all!
Lulloff-Peterson-Houck Funeral Home
Dodgeville • 608-935-3628
www.houckfuneralhomes.com