Obituary
Gary Lee Planthaber Sr., 72, of Cape Coral FL., passed away on 11/08/2024 in Cape Coral, FL.
Gary Lee Planthaber Sr. was born in Sterling, IL. to Wayne and Rosemary Planthaber on 08/09/1952. He went to school in Naples, FL. He graduated from Naples High School. He did attend some college at Edison Community College in Ft. Myers, FL.
He spent the majority of his working life working in the grading and excavating industry. He owned a company called WEST COAST GRADING. He was a veteran of the Cold War era and served in the U.S. Army. When he was younger, he was heavily involved with the Eagles Club of Golden Gate including their softball league. He loved anything outdoors but especially camping and fishing.
Gary Lee Planthaber Sr. was preceded in death by His mother Rosemary Planthaber, his father Wayne Planthaber and his brother Wayne Planthaber Jr.
Gary Lee Planthaber Sr. is survived by his ex-wife and mother of his children Emilia Pinto Da Silva, His sons Gary Lee Planthaber Jr. with wife Satu and Johnathan Planthaber with wife Kelly, His sister Roseanna Upano, His granddaughters Madelyn and Macy Planthaber, His friends Bill and Carla Marshall and ALL of their children and his Army buddy Dan Horvath.
Pallbearers will be Johnathan Planthaber, Gary Lee Planthaber Jr., Jorge Da Silva and Bill Marshall.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30 PM Wednesday 11/20/2024 at the Bushnell National Cemetery with a priest of a local church officiating. Burial will follow at the Bushnell National Cemetery.
Memorials may be given in the form of a charitable donation to the American Cancer Society. The family of Gary Lee Planthaber, SR. would like to send a special thank you to the VA in Ocala and Gainesville, FL. for fighting to keep Gary alive as long as he could comfortably endure. A special thanks to Dr. Garcas and Dr. Delone.








Gary at my parent's 50th Anniversary party
It saddens me to know he passed away. I will miss him.
He was a hell of a Tanker in the Army. And I know we respected each other.
Slow SALUTE my friend. Taps.
We will meet again.
The song Highway men comes to mind.