Gary Hougland

The eagle has landed!

Gary “Eagle Eye” Hougland is now peacefully resting in the arms of Jesus in heaven. Gary, also frequently mistaken for Harrison Ford or Clint Eastwood, led a blessed and beautiful life. All made possible by marrying his high school sweetheart, Sharon Hotmar. Gary often described his life like the Wizard of Oz– going from black and white to full of color, after meeting Sharon. Gary loved his cabin at Hyde, his Bronco, his man-cave, his eagle collection, but most of all he loved God and his family. Gary’s sense of humor was classic, his quick wit impeccable as described in his favorite Toby Keith song, “I wanna talk about me.” His passion was bowhunting and at 74 he harvested a black bear, a 10-point buck, and a big tom turkey all with the same arrow. Gary’s “trifecta,” as he called it, was an incredible feat at that age.

Gary is survived by his wife Sharon, daughter Carrie (Kyle), son Craig (Tami); five grandchildren, Angela (Danny), Zak (Cassi), Conner (Danielle–girlfriend), Blake, and Sophie; and four great-grandchildren, Nora, Molly, Harper, and Harry.

Gary is preceded in death by his mother and father, Clint and Ione, and his son-in-law, Gib.

Gary loved making others laugh and touched so many in ways that only Gary could. We all look forward to seeing him smiling again “somewhere over the rainbow.”

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, at Rex’s Innkeeper 301 S. Century Ave. Waunakee from 11:00 to 2:00 p.m.

Please share your memories of Gary by posting in his Guestbook.

Winn-Cress Funeral Home

5785 Hwy Q

Waunakee, WI