Gerhard “Gary” Ferdinand Mayrwieser, 83, husband of Judith Murray Mayrwieser, passed away Tuesday, October 29, 2024. He was born on September 20, 1941, in Bamberg, Germany to the late Hermine Ferstl and Ferdinand Mayrwieser. Gary was in the Air Force 1962-1965, and he and his new bride were stationed in Wiesbaden Germany for 3 years, where their first child Cliff was born. 

He also worked for the US Postal Service for many years where he met his lifelong best friend, Irwin Pickett. 

Herr Mayr taught German at Tates Creek High School and was instrumental in starting the soccer program for Kentucky. Soccer started as a club, then became a sanctioned sport, and under his coaching, TCHS won 5 State Championships. He also started and coached a Table Tennis team at Tates Creek, and led them to state championships as well. His teaching style made learning fun, and he was very active with his German Club, making movies with Gummy Bears, and having his goat Oscar pull their beer stein float in the homecoming parade! 

In addition to his wife of 62 years, Judith, those left to cherish his memory include his son, Cliff Mayrwieser; daughter, Karen Mayrwieser; sister, Monica Morgan; grandchildren, Tamara Fortner, Kasey Fortner; great grandchildren, Kaj, River, Eden, and Milo, along with many in-laws and nieces and nephews.  

Gary, aka "Herr Mayr", "Coach", and "Opa", was not only a role-model husband, father, son, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, he also reached lofty heights as a teacher - Educator of the Year many times - Hall of Fame soccer coach, Lexington Jaycee's Outstanding Man of the Year, and Kentucky Colonel. He also went public with his cancer fight in the 1980's. He was the type of person that most people aspire to be - a kind, loving, witty, and brilliant gentleman until the end.  

Besides his parents, Gary is preceded in death by his sister, Beverly Matusow.  

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Sunday, November 17, 2024 from 2:30-4:30pm at Bethel Pointe, Wilmore, KY. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice (Bluegrass Care Navigators) or Alzheimer’s/Dementia research.   

Family and Friends may also refer to Tates Creek Memorial Facebook page.