By Heather McDonald

It was a call Tricia Mayek thought someday might come. It was one she never wanted to take.

The day after Easter, following a family get together the day before, Mayek’s husband picked up the phone, like any other day. But this was not just any other call. Mayek’s father, Gary Lepinski, was dead.

Gary Lepinski, who lived in Marathon County, was a family man who enjoyed doing different activities with his grandchildren, proudly hoisting them onto his shoulders and taking them fishing. (Contributed photo)

By suicide. He was 57.

“We celebrated Easter, and it was a nice family gathering, so what did he wake up Monday morning thinking about?” said Mayek, a Stevens Point resident. “You never know what people are struggling with.”

To read the rest of the story, pick up a copy of the Portage County Gazette at one of the many newsstands in the area, including gas stations and grocery stores. Or subscribe at shopmmclocal.com/product/portage-county-gazette/ to have weekly copies delivered by mail.

For more information or to subscribe over the phone, call 715-343-8045.

The 12th annual Walk for Hope will take place with a 9 a.m. registration and 10 a.m. start Saturday, Sept. 16, at Zenoff Park, 1001 Second St. North, Stevens Point.

The 5K event will support suicide prevention programs and mental health awareness. About 250 people participated in 2016.

Last year in Portage County, there were 10 deaths by suicide. In the past eight years, there have been 81 deaths by suicide in Portage County.

The Mayek family (from left) Jason, Avery, Tricia, Carley, Kaydin and Jaymason, participate in the Walk for Hope annually in memory of Tricia’s father, Gary Lepinski. (Contributed photo)

Organized by Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness Coalition of Portage County, registration is available at www.suicidepreventionportagecounty.org.

Registration tickets are $20 each for those 14 and older, plus a fee.