Gregory Taylor

WATERTOWN - Gregory A. Taylor, age 57, passed away on Sunday, October 2, 2011 after a 2½ year battle with terminal cancer. He was born on June 15, 1954 in Madison to Kenneth and Joyce (Fredrickson) Taylor, and was baptized at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Mt. Horeb. As a boy, Greg was active in wrestling, FFA, and Boy Scouts. He graduated from Mt. Horeb High School in 1972 and from MATC in 1974 for barbering. He worked for Sportsman Barber Shop until buying the business in 2002, retiring in 2009. He was united in marriage to Candice Eichel on August 22, 1987 at Christ United Methodist Church. Greg was an avid sportsman, which included hunting, fishing, and trapshooting. He also enjoyed playing cards. He also was a racing fan of Matt Kenseth, and a fan of the Badgers and Packers, building quite a collection of memorabilia over the years. He was a life member of the Watertown Conservation Club serving as past president and board member. For many years, he was a hunter safety instructor who was recognized for his years of service by the DNR. He belonged to many wildlife organizations which lead to being on local committees for the Whitetails and Ducks Unlimited. More recently, he served on the board for the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation 7th District. He will be deeply missed by his wife, Candy; 2 stepsons: Trevor and Tony Kurtz, of Watertown; his brother, Jim Taylor, and sister, Pat Taylor, of Mt. Horeb; mother-in-law, Irene Eichel of Watertown; nieces: Stephenie Taylor and Amy (Chris) Olson, of Mt. Horeb; nephews: Doug Taylor of Blue Mound, Ken Taylor of Mt. Horeb, Tim and Mike Raiche of Janesville; and special little buddy, Brandi. He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents: Bert and Leuwella Fredrickson; father-in-law, Stanley Eichel; and sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Harry Raiche. Special thanks to Dr. Michael Eastman and the staff at Johnson Creek Cancer Center, that with their help, Greg could keep up his fight. Also to Sam for all his phone calls. Funeral services will be on Thursday, October 6, 2011, at 12:00 noon at Christ United Methodist Church in Watertown, with visitation from 9:30am until time of service at the church. Interment will take place at a later date at Northside Cemetery in Mt. Horeb. If desired, memorial donations in Greg's name may be made to the American Cancer Society.