Gary Dean Pinnow, 77, passed away at his home on Thursday, February 23, 2023. Gary was born July 18, 1945 in Racine, the son of Ray and Betty (Nee Houdek) Pinnow. Gary graduated from Racine Horlick High and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He was employed by Wisconsin Electric for 40 years. Prior to his working for Wisconsin Electric, he was drafted by the San Francisco Giants Baseball Team, the New Orleans Saints Football team and the Miami Dolphins. In addition, Gary enjoyed bowling, playing a few rounds of golf with his buddies as well as getting out on the baseball diamond and playing a game or two. It has been said that Gary was probably one of the finest athletes in Racine county’s history. He earned nine letters at Horlick High School, noted for being the City Player of the year his senior year. Gary was recognized for making a shot during a basketball tournament that was heard around the state. After high school, he became a defensive back and kicker for the Wisconsin Badgers football team and played baseball with the San Francisco Giant’s farm team in 1969. Gary will be deeply missed by his two sons Dean (Lisa) Pinnow and Darrin (Debbie) Pinnow, stepson Andy (Mandy) Vinnes and his sister Lonna Ludvigsen. He will also be missed by his five grandchildren Nate, Nash, Noah, Nick and Casey. Gary was preceded in death by his Life Partner Kathy Vinnes and his parents. Funeral Services for Gary will be held at Strouf Funeral Home on Friday, March 10, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive guests at the funeral home on Friday, March 10, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will be private for family per Gary’s wishes.
Gary D. Pinnow
Wade, myself and our sons have many memories with Mom and Gary. Every time cribbage is played or the colts play the saints, we will think of him. Condolences to all.
I was with the team in Waukesha when we played Milwaukee North and saw Gary take the last shot which sent us to Madison. I can visualize seeing you and Nick Demos play poker in the residence hall where we stayed in Madison for the State Tournament. Half-dollars or Silver Dollars. I can’t picture which. You signed my ’63 Yearbook, thanking me for the extra towels I gave you during basketball season. In ’63, I was a sophomore and Gary a senior, when I vividly recollect the time he was chasing me for some unknown reason on the grass outside the gym on the East side of Horlick. Well, he caught up to me and brought me down with an ankle tackle. I also remember seeing him once walking his cart at a golf course whose name I cannot recall. Later, I saw him bowling at Shorecrest Bowling Lanes on the North side of Racine. I believe these sightings occurred after his graduation in June 1963. My last interaction with him was a number of years later on a trip to Racine from Texas. I spoke to Gary briefly over the phone about the 1963 State Tournament, 4th Place Trophy which I had come upon in the attic above the Horlick Field House. Note – the Field House as I knew it, had been renamed the Jack Belden Field House by then. He did not want the trophy.
Rest in Peace, Gary Pinnow, #30. May the Light Perpetual Shine Upon you. God Bless………………………t
I’m so sorry for your loss. Gary was a very good friend and team mate for many years. I will miss him terribly.
I had plans to come to the services, however due to the weather I am unable to make it.
I was a teammate of Gary’s the last two years he played slowpitch soft ball on Sam’s Wrecking. I had known Gary for several years but not as a teammate and friend. I really enjoyed knowing Gary. I consider him a really good friend. He was enjoyable to talk to
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I knew Gary for a number of years but not as a close friend until I played softball with him on Sam’s Wrecking . He was friendly and enjoyable. A really special person. It was really nice to get to know him during those two years . It was really special. Gary was more than the special athlete we all know. He was a Christian and he has completed his work on this earth and is resting in Paradise. I look forward to seeing him again.
I knew Gary for several years through playing softball in the city, but I didn’t really know Gary until I played with him on the Sam’s Wrecking Team. Gary was friendly and I enjoyed getting to know him and spending time with him during the two years that we played together. He had God given talent that he developed and he was like all great athletes. It looked easy for him as he was such as smooth athlete. But he was much more than that. I enjoyed him as a person and we had some good time together. Gary is at Peace in Heaven, having completed his work on this earth. I will see you again someday my friend.
Rest on my friend…worked with him many years at WeEnergies.
My name is Bob Cluck. Gary and I were roommates in our first year for the Giants. We never touched base after 1967 but I just heard that he passed away. Great athlete and wonderful guy. God he made me laugh. Wish now that I would have stayed in touch.