July 8, 2021 at 3:20 p.m.
Gary Eugene Greenland
Gary Eugene Greenland
He was born to Verl and Wanda Greenland on Feb. 24, 1937, in Fairfield, Iowa. He was awarded an athletic scholarship and attended State University of Iowa, Parsons College and University of Iowa where he met Ellen, whom he married on Aug. 12, 1960.
Following their marriage, Gary and Ellen lived and worked in Iowa City and Fairfield, Iowa. After teaching in Kenosha, they moved to Clinton, Iowa, where they met Frank and Kenlyn Kiener, who became lifelong friends and partners in crime.
In 1967, Gary and Ellen made the decision to move to Guam, where Gary attended University of Guam. During this time, they welcomed their first daughter, Coleen, and traveled to the Philippines, Japan and Hong Kong. Gary earned the first Master of Arts Degree in History from the University, writing a thesis on the Huk Rebellion in the Philippines, a copy of which was later requested by the University of Michigan to be kept in their library records.
With his studies complete, the family moved to Sturtevant, before settling in Rhinelander, where Hilary was born. Gary accepted a position at Nicolet College where he taught history and political science until his retirement.
In 1983, Gary was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship. He spent the summer traveling and studying in Israel and Egypt. He later served as the committee chair of the Fulbright Teacher Exchange program, serving Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
He had a gift for spontaneity and adventure. "We're going for a ride" could mean 4 hours or 4 days. During his life, Gary traveled to 49 states, multiple U.S. Territories and several continents. He could find a bookstore without the benefit of GPS or a map and spent many, many hours browsing the shelves. There were stacks of books all over the house with subjects ranging from the ridiculous to the profound.
At various points in his life, he was a basketball and debate coach, photographer commissioned by the U.S. Military, volunteer with veterans organizations, deputy sheriff, volunteer fireman, licensed pilot, avid fisherman, snowmobiler, jigsaw puzzler and entrepreneur.
Gary's enthusiasm for all things will be carried on by his wife, Ellen, and their dog, Rousseau; daughters Coleen (Michael) Wendt of Rhinelander and Hilary (Steven) Schoenenberger of Tomahawk; brother Roger (Cedar Rapids, Iowa); four grandchildren: Isaac and Emma Wendt, Tanner (Enid, Oklahoma) and Dane Schoenenberger.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Verl and Wanda Greenland.
Visitation will be held at Carlson Funeral Home in Rhinelander on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 from 4 to 6 p.m., immediately followed by a celebration of his life. You may leave your private condolences for the Greenland family at www.carlsonfh.com. The Carlson Funeral Home (715-369-1414) is handling the arrangements for the family.
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