Gary Richard Cumber

Gary Richard Cumber, age 70, of Appleton, WI, was welcomed by Jesus into his heavenly home on Sunday, January 5, 2025, surrounded by loved ones who are now stuck figuring out how to fix things around the house without his unsolicited but always correct advice.

Born on April 19, 1954, in Egg Harbor, WI, to Harold and Cordelia Cumber, Gary grew up in Wausau, WI, where he discovered his love of music, mischief, and subtly making people laugh. He eventually met Carol, the love of his life and the only person patient enough to laugh at his jokes for 46 years. Together, they created a life full of love, laughter, and more half-finished projects than they’d care to admit.

Gary is survived by his wife Carol, who still can’t believe she let him convince her to marry him; his daughter Stephanie Murphy, who inherited his gift of gab; his son Garrett Cumber (wife Amy), who clearly got his creative streak; his grandson Liam Murphy and his granddaughter Estella Murphy, who were the apple of his eye. He’s also survived by a toolbox full of broken drill bits, a tackle box that’s seen better days, and a guitar that can never quite stay in tune. Preceding him in death are his parents Harold and Cordelia Cumber, his brother Daryl and his sister Sylvia who likely greeted him in the afterlife with a raised eyebrow. Gary is survived by his siblings Wayne, Barb, Alan, Steven, Patti, Lora, Becky and Kevin who are now legally required to fight over his stuff; like they did when they were kids.

Gary was a jack-of-all-trades, mastering guitar playing, home building, and remodeling. His true passion, though, was bass fishing, where he often told fish stories so big you’d think he was catching them with his bare hands. His greatest joy was time spent with his family, especially when it involved getting everyone onto a boat or into a heated debate about the best way to grill a steak.

Gary had a saying for just about everything, most of which had you wondering if you had just been insulted, but his life philosophy boiled down to this: “Life’s short—laugh, love, and always check the weather before heading out on the lake.”

The family invites you to celebrate Gary’s life the way he would have wanted: with good stories, good food, and lots of love.

A Celebration of Gary’s life will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 12:00 P.M. at Valley Funeral Home.  Friends and family will gather at the funeral home from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service.  He will be laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery, Appleton.

Our family would like to thank Moments Hospice for the excellent, loving care they gave Gary for the last three months of his life. We feel like Megan and Faedra, as well as many others, are now a part of our family. We are extremely blessed by you.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.