It is with great sadness that the family of Gary Allen Dehnert announces his departure from this life after a long and heroic battle with emphysema. Gary, who was known to family and friends as "Lou," passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on December 28, 2018, at the age of 67 years. Lou was born on November 2nd, 1951, to Robert and Esther (Christiansen) Dehnert, in Watertown, WI. He grew up in Concord and attended high school at Oconomowoc High School. After his graduation, in 1969, he enlisted in the army and was deployed to Phu Bai, Vietnam. Lou attained the rank of E-4 and was part of the 528th Quarter Master. When Lou returned stateside and after active duty, he attended UW Stout in Menomonie, where he liked to say he majored in girls and grouse hunting. A Wisconsin native, Lou enjoyed the outdoor activities offered by the changing seasons like camping, hunting and fishing. Lou was a long time member of the VFW in Oconomowoc.On September 15, 2018, Lou was granted his wish to visit the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. Lou's social worker, Emily Marx, from Rainbow Hospice, and the Dream Foundation, made his wish to go on the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight a reality. He was joined on this journey by his step-son Daniel Carpenter. The week that followed his trip, Lou told all his veteran friends that this journey was the best thing he had ever done and urged them to sign up for this trip. It was his wish to have them share this experience as he had.Over the years, Lou and his wife opened their home to many rescued animals that included: 10 boxers, 2 westies, 1 pekingese and 5 cats, many which have passed on before him. Lou believed his beloved angels would be waiting to greet him when he too crossed the Rainbow Bridge.He is survived by his wife of twenty-six years, Claire (Wilson), step-son Daniel (Nicole) Carpenter and 5 grandchildren: Alexis, Anna, Davey, Jadyn and Jasmine, brother Dean Dehnert (Barb) and will be fondly remembered by his extended family: Carol Wilson, Robert Wilson (Sheila), Lyn Hoeft (Thomas), nieces, nephews and dear friends. He is further survived by his beloved boxer girls, Snookie and Teenah, his cuddle bug and nurse, Barney, the cat, and the General, as he liked to call him, Ceasar, the peke.Lou was preceded in death by his parents and brother Carl Dehnert.A Celebration of Lou's Life will be held February 2, 2019 at Schwefel's Restaurant, N58W39877 State Rd 16, Oconomowoc, WI 53066, from 1 pm to 3 pm.