Garth Allen Truax

Garth Allen Truax, age 48, of Hastings, passed away suddenly, at his home, on July 30, 2009. The world is blessed with few that leave us after having given so much more than they have taken. The radiance of a life filled with love and kindness will continue to shine on all those he touched.Garth loved life and the biggest part of his life was his fiance and best friend Danette, his daughters, Tara and Samantha and Danettes' children Melissa, Casey and Danielle. Together they formed a strong family. A family that often times worked together and always played together. Nothing was more important to Garth than his family. Dave and Karen Hartung, along with their children Andy and Malorie and Danettes' sister Becky were Garth and Danettes' closest friends and their families were as one. Garth loved to travel and organize outings for his family and friends. From Mexico to a Twins game, you could be sure if Garth was along on the trip, there would be humorous memories for all to share. Garth had a knack for making everyone around him laugh and sometimes even sing or dance. Garth was an avid golfer and though probably not pro material, he enjoyed the game. The final score was never the focus when playing a round or golf with his buddies Jimmy, Jeff, Larry and Paul.Garth managed Dan's Bar in New Trier and worked side by side with Danette, whose family has owned and operated the establishment for over fifty years. Garth added a dimension to Dan's that the local patrons came to love. The relationship between Garth and the people of New Trier grew to be one of extended family with respect and care as the centerpiece. This is a tribute to both Garth and the people of New Trier who will miss him dearly. Garth loved and cared about all those around him and he developed a special bond with a few of the patrons that came to see him regularly. One bond and friendship that held a special place in Garth's heart was with Lloyd Peine. Garth and Lloyd entertained many people with their sharp humorous quips around the horseshoe at Dan's. Love, Sharing and Kindness were his trademarks, sprinkled with humor at every turn.Garth was survived by, fiance and best friend, Danette; children, Tara and Samantha; Melissa (Ryan) Ringle, Casey and Danielle Welch; parents, Frank and Judith Truax; siblings, Deborah (Tom) Doffing, Richard (Kim) Truax, Frank (Connie) Truax; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A funeral service was held on Monday, August 3, 2009 at The Little Log House Pioneer Village (The Bauer Farm) with Pastor Gordon Gathright officiating. The Interment was at Lakeside Cemetery. Serving at Pallbearers were Jim Hoffman, Larry Regenscheid, Jeff Elliott, Steve Weikle, Steve Kidd, Bernie Doffing and Paul Caneff. Honorary Pallbearers were Steve Dohmen, Lloyd Peine, Dan Peine, Tony Kimmen, Andy Hartung, and Travis Truax . Memorials are preferred. The Wise Family Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. To sign the guest book please visit our website at www.wisefamilyfh.com.