Gary Paul Fait, M.D., 66, of Mequon, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, from pancreatic cancer.
Gary is survived by his wife of 45 years, Connie (nee Reames); his daughters, Sarah Fait (Drew Saunders), Jennifer Fait, Ashley Fait (Quinton Miller), Aubrey Fait, and Jocelyn Fait (Eris Campbell); his grandsons Grayson and Calum Miller; his siblings Dr. Robert Fait, Fr. Thomas Fait, Kathy Fait, and JoAnne Wasserman. He is predeceased by his parents, Dr. Lawrence and Marie (nee Richter) Fait, and his brothers, William and James Fait. His loss is also keenly felt by extended family, friends, patients, and colleagues in the Milwaukee area medical community.
Born on Feb. 8, 1958, Gary grew up in Burlington. Some of his fondest memories growing up include fishing with his dad, going to rock concerts, following Wisconsin sports, and listening to his extensive record collection.
Gary attended Marquette University, where he met Connie the summer before their sophomore year in 1977. His pick-up line was asking her if she’d started reading the textbook for the organic chemistry class for which they had yet to register. For their wedding on June 2, 1979, he wore white tails and toasted with a glass of chocolate milk.
Gary graduated from Marquette with his B.A. in biology and psychology in 1980 and started at the Medical College of Wisconsin that fall. After graduating from medical school in 1984, he completed his residency at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. He returned to Wisconsin in 1988 and began his more than 35-year career as a practicing OB/GYN.
Nothing was more important to Gary than his family. As a child, he had a recurring dream of having five daughters, including a set of twins, a dream that became a reality much to his delight. He supported his daughters through all of their many endeavors, from dance recitals to horse shows to music concerts to their first days at college. One of his greatest joys was having everyone together, whether it was family vacations, trying new restaurants, nights in playing games, or watching movies. His love for his girls never wavered, and he never stopped wanting to take care of them, no matter their age.
Gary cherished being “Papa” to his two grandsons, a role he didn’t think he needed, but one everyone knew he was made for. It was a title that brought him more joy than he could have ever imagined. Whether it was sharing a donut, watching monster trucks on his iPad or spoiling them with their very own playground, he took every opportunity to show them how much they were loved. Above all, he taught them that when asked, “Who loves you the most?” the answer was, and will always be, Papa.
A public celebration of life will be held at the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, 1111 E. Brown Deer Road, Milwaukee on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025, from 5:30 until 8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Schlitz Audubon or the Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers.
For on-line condolences, please visit www.freerickfuneralhome.com.
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