Gerhald H. M. “Gary” Hansel passed away October 14, 2026 at the age of 89. He was born June 25, 1937 at home in Menasha, WI to Russel and Irene Hansel as the oldest of 6 children. Gerhald was married to Marlene E. Schewe on August 12, 1961.

The word that would describe Gerhald is steadfast. He was steadfast in his faith in his Savior Jesus Christ, steadfast in his love for his wife and family, and steadfast in his 35 years of teaching and caring about the education of thousands of students over those years. Gerhald, who taught physics and math at Appleton East High-School for 30 years, was the first teacher in Wisconsin to incorporate a computer into the classroom starting in 1977, building it from a kit and then writing his own educational software used by the students. Gerhald had a true love for science, applying it to everyday life to help him understand the world around him.

Gerhald went to Menasha high school, where he was on the basketball and track teams. He graduated in 1955. He graduated UW Oshkosh in 1961 with a BS Degree in Physics and Math Education. He continued taking classes during the summers and in 1990 earned a Masters of Teaching degree.

Gerhald and Marlene lived in Appleton, WI from 1967 until 2023. During that time, Gerhald was an active member of Riverview Lutheran Church, on Seymour St.. After retiring in 1996, he enjoyed gardening, traveling, and many computer related hobbies. In 2023, they moved to Fitchberg, WI and became members of Good News Lutheran church of Mount Horeb, WI.

Gerhald was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Irene (nee Pyan) Hansel; parents-in-law, Martin and Clara Marquardt; sister-in-law, Sandra Hansel (wife of George); sister-in-law, Josie Hansel (wife of James); brother-in-law Grant and sister-in-law Janet Gilray; brother-in-law Donald and sister-in-law Joan Marquardt; sister-in-law Joan (nee Schewe) Melnick; and nephew, Jeffrey Hansel.

He is survived by his loving wife, Marlene (nee Schewe) Hansel; sons, Steven (JoAnna) Hansel and Thomas (Amy) Hansel; and cherished grandchildren, Natalie, Andrew, Vincent, Emily (Maggie Stack), and Samuel. He is further survived by his siblings, George Hansel, Sandra Hildebrand, James "Jay" Hansel, David (Therese) Hansel, and Daniel (Gretchen) Hansel, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, other relatives, and close friends.

On Friday, October 30, a visitation will begin at 10 am at Highland Memorial Park Cemetery, 3131 N. Richmond St., Appleton, WI 54911. A worship service will begin at 11am followed by burial and lunch. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Gerhald Hansel’s name to  Agrace Hospice or  Good News Lutheran Church.

Please share your memories of Gary in the guestbook area.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Services

3610 Speedway Rd      Madison

608-238-3434