Gary Fay Brewer, 83, of Attica, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, August 29, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Fittingly, this day marked the 61st anniversary of his marriage to his high school sweetheart, Colleen (Zurfluh) Brewer.
Born to Fay and Valliere (Walmer) Brewer, Gary was the eldest of their children. He graduated from Albany High School in 1960 and married Colleen on August 29, 1964.
Gary wore many hats throughout his life — business owner, farmer, dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, uncle, brother, son, and friend. He and Colleen owned Brewer’s Center Tavern in Albany, WI, for over 50 years. He was a charter member of the Albany Lions Club and up until the last few months, he continued working part-time at the bar and checking on the pigs at the farm.
His passions were many: raising Chester White pigs on the family farm, playing basketball and softball, refereeing games, hunting coon, deer, and duck, and playing euchre with his buddies. He proudly showed his pigs across the Midwest and was honored with induction into the Milwaukee State Fair Hall of Fame in 2009. Gary also enjoyed driving his team of mules on Wagon Train rides throughout Wisconsin. A devoted sports fan, he cheered for the Milwaukee Brewers, Wisconsin Badger basketball, and the Green Bay Packers. Locally, he was affectionately known as the unofficial “Mayor of Attica.”
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Fay and Valliere; brothers, Glenn (Joann) Brewer and Roger “Red” Brewer; son-in-law, Randy Peach; grandson, Lucas Brewer; brothers-in-law, John Mauerman and Lee Zurfluh; and parents-in-law, John and Eileen Zurfluh.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Colleen; his children, Todd (Brenda) Brewer, Teresa Peach (Mike), Tanya (Tim) Helwig, Tim (Lisa) Brewer, and Tom Brewer (Glady); 13 grandchildren — Ashley (Nate) Miller, Collin Brewer, Sidney Peach, Madelyn Peach, Brent (Anna) Helwig, Ryley (Trey) Recknor, Summer Brewer, Tyler Brewer, Danilynn Brewer, Hunter Brewer, Lily Brewer, Carson Brewer, and Cash Brewer; and five great-grandsons — Cayson Helwig, Gunnar Helwig, Tucker Helwig, Braxton Miller, and Jayce Miller.
He is also survived by sisters-in-law, Jan Brewer, Judy Zurfluh, Diane (Ron) Kubly, Cindy Mauerman; brothers-in-law, Hans (Patti) Zurfluh and Don Zurfluh; and many nieces, nephews, and cherished friends.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to all who shared their friendship with Gary. He was grateful for the time he had to say goodbye. Special thanks to his caregivers at UW Hospital, UW Health Belleville Clinic, Agrace Hospice, Joyce’s Home Care, and his favorite nurse, Anna Helwig.
Gary would want us to celebrate his life and the stories he left behind. A Celebration of his Life will be held at the Albany Lion’s Club, 402 N. Cincinnati Street, Albany, WI, on Saturday, September 6, 2025. Visitation will be from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., immediately followed by a short service with prayer and shared memories.
Memorials may be made to the Albany Lions Club, Albany American Legion, Albany EMS, or Albany Fire Department. Condolences may be shared in the family’s memorial guest book at shgfuneralhome.net.
