Gary Douglas Erpenbach, 60, of Nolanville, TX, passed away on Friday, Dec. 18, 2015.

Gary was born on Aug. 5, 1955 in Sparta, WI to the late Joseph and Bernice Winchel Erpenbach. He graduated from Darlington High School in 1973. Gary joined the United States Army in 1975, served his country proudly for 20 years, and retired as a Master Sergeant in 1995. Some of his stations included Forts Dix, Belboir, and Knox, as well as installations in Fliegerhorst Kaserne, Germany, and Seoul, Korea, where he served as Motor Sergeant and Battallion Maintenace Supervisor. His final and longest term of service was at Fort Hood, where he built his home and raised his family. He was awarded numerous Army awards including Meritorious Service Medal and Army Commendation Medal (6th Award). He continued his service to the military as a civilian contractor, as well as instructor for the MRAP-U Recovery Unit at the Red River Army Depot. He continued earning awards, receiving countless best-in-show trophies with his 2006 Stage 2, 2010 427R, and 2012 Stage 3 Hyper series (Gas It Green) Roush Mustangs. He loved country music, brats, beer, and never missed a Packers game.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Bernice Erpenbach.

Gary is survived by his wife, Molly Erpenbach; his seven children, Jessica Embrick, Dana Hudson and husband, Wayne, Jory Erpenbach and wife, Kim, Mikayla Mondragon and husband, Chris, Anthony Merka II and wife, Courtney, Ashley Beeson, and Amber Hendrix and husband, Kyle; his seven siblings, Loretta Simonsen and husband, Ken, Donna Hora and husband, Ed, Sandra Nemec, Larry Erpenbach and wife, Judi, Kate Black and husband, Kerry, David Erpenbach and wife Debbie, and Ashley Erpenbach; 16 grandchildren; and his two fur babies, Kally and Mitzi.

He was a loving and respected husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, and United States soldier. We love you and will miss you dearly, Gary.

Mass will be held in honor of Gary at 1 pm on Tuesday, December 29, 2015 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Copperas Cove. Burial will follow at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen. A Rosary will be at 5 pm on Monday with visitation following until 7 pm at Scott's Funeral Home of Copperas Cove.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Fort Hood Fisher House. More information can be found at www.fisherhouse.org.