Gary Arthur Kummer

Gary A. Kummer, age 90 of Hastings, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Monday morning, February 23, 2026.

Gary Arthur, the son of Arthur and Lena (Gerlach) Kummer, was born on June 21, 1935, in Red Wing. Gary began his education in parochial school before attending Hastings High School where he wrestled and served as class president prior to graduating with the class of 1953. On November 23, 1955, Gary was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Joan Crotteau, at St. Boniface Catholic Church. He began his career working at 3M Chemolite. In 1958, Gary and Joan moved to the Kummer family farm in rural Miesville and raised their family there until 1969 when they moved to Hampton. In great excitement and partnership with the Wiederholt family, the Kummer's co-owned and operated the Black Stallion in Hampton. Following Cy Wiederholt's sudden passing in 1972, Gary and Joan became sole owners of the supper club, and with a great amount of help from family, The Black Stallion became a world-class supper club that won countless awards over the years including Retailer of the Year. He and Joan took great pride in being able to raise a family that were all so connected to making the establishment truly what it was. During his ownership, Gary was also actively involved with business and community organizations including the Hampton Business Association.

Following his retirement and selling of the supper club in 1999, Gary and Joan took time to travel extensively. From Mexico, to Florida, and anywhere in between, they always enjoyed life to the fullest with the countless friends they met along the way. Gary also took great pride in his role of grandpa, and never missed the chance to attend any of his grandchildren's events over the years. He was an avid hunter and outdoorsman, and especially enjoyed deer and pheasant hunting. Gary and Joan also enjoyed spending time at the cabin and on the boat on the St. Croix. Gary’s sense of humor and lighthearted ribbing brought smiles to many and those who knew him cherished every opportunity to hear his voice, as he was an excellent singer.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Harold "Bud" Kummer; sisters, Eleanor (Lawrence) Hunter, Shirley Carner and Arlene Oehlke; and by his daughter-in-law, Stacey McKee-Kummer.

Gary is survived by his wife, Joan; children, Butch (Cindy) Kummer, Kay Kummer, Gary J. Kummer, and Jill (Steven) Jones; grandchildren, Michael (Jessica) Petefish, Andy Petefish, Quinnlan (Jonathan) Eck, Abe Kummer, Maria (Noah) Goetzke, and Lily Kummer; great grandchildren, Henry Petefish and Remington Petefish; sister, Caroyl Reichling; and by many other relatives and dear friends.

A Celebration of Gary's Life will be held 3:00 p.m. Sunday, March 1, 2026, at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings, with Father Michael Tix officiating. Private family interment will be held at Lakeside Cemetery in Hastings.

Family and friends are cordially invited to a visitation from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., and to a reception immediately following the service, all at Starkson Family on Sunday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and School in memory of Gary.

Arrangements are being completed by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.