Cary John Follett, age 71, of Hayward, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, in the comfort of his own home, surrounded by his closest family.

Cary was born on April 11, 1955, to Beverly Jean (Durfee) Follett and Arthur Irving Follett in Redwood City, California. He graduated from high school in El Paso, Texas, before moving to Wisconsin to attend the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, where he studied political science. It was there that Cary met and fell in love with Kathi. Together, they built a life and raised two children, Damian and Amber.

Cary and Kathi eventually settled in Hayward, Wisconsin, where they chose to raise their family near Kathi's loved ones. Over the years, Cary worked at a number of local establishments, including Hayward Inn, Beechmoor Restaurant & Lounge, Diamond/Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que, Angler’s Bar and Grill, Ken Lacoy Construction Inc, Lakewoods Resort & Golf, and American Legion Post 487. Through his years in the community, he became part of the Northwoods area he was proud to call home.

Cary had a wide range of hobbies and interests that reflected his curiosity and love of learning. His interests included Boy Scouts, building model cars, astronomy, Christianity, playing guitar, automobiles, music, making wine and beer, fishing, and gardening. He especially appreciated the natural beauty of the Northwoods, enjoying its many lakes, rivers, and streams, along with the abundant wildlife that made the area so special.

Cary will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by his wife, Kathi (Isham) Follett; children, Damian Follett (Sarah Bublitz) and Amber (Jarrod) Landreth; nephews Mike (Kerri) Rauh & Josh Bower; brother, David (Judith Young) Follett; grandchildren, Jonah Landreth, Cash Follett, Aiden Calabrese, Ivy Thoreson & Irelynd Thoreson; and great granddaughter Azalea Kakazu.

Cary was preceded in death by his parents Arthur & Beverly; brother Jeffery (Vikki) Follett; and sister Diane Follett.

A small Celebration of Life for family and friends will be held at Sawmill Saloon in Seeley, Sunday, November 8, 2026, beginning at 1:00 p.m. Family and friends are welcome to gather, share memories and celebrate Cary’s life.