Gary Richard Burnam

Gary Richard Burnam, 75, of Foster, died on May 10, 2025 at the Marshfield Medical Center in Marshfield.

Gary was born on March 3, 1950 in Denver, to Warren and Betty Burnam. He graduated with a B.S. from Adams State College in Alamosa, Colo. in 1972. On March 1, 1974, he married Pat Hogstrom in Denver. They moved to the Eau Claire area in May 1975.

Gary was self-employed as a carpenter/contractor for several years while also being a member of the Elk Mound Volunteer Fire Department. In January 1990, he was hired as a fire service instructor in the fire training program at Nicolet Area Technical College in Rhinelander. One year later he became the coordinator of the program and stayed in that position until he retired in 2005. During that time, he completed his master’s degree. While in Rhinelander, he also served as a member of the Newbold Fire Department, eventually becoming assistant chief.

After he and Pat retired, they moved to Foster, where Gary served as a member of the Osseo Rural Fire Department for several years.

Gary was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and trapping. Gary loved being around people and telling stories, especially of hunting and fishing adventures.

He is survived by his wife, Pat; three children: Dan (Heather Spencer) of Hudson; Clay of Bloomington, Minn.; and Melanie (Mike) Slagstad of Rosemount, Minn.; five grandchildren: Zach, Maysa, and Alex Burnam and Johnny and Landon Slagstad; sister Debby Baker of Greeley, Colo.; many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brother Greg and his parents, Warren and Betty.

Any memorials or donations can be made to the Premium Whitetail Management of Foster.

There will be a celebration of Gary’s life at the Foster Bar & Grill on June 14, from 1 to 4 p.m.