Gary Wayne Gauer

Gary Gauer, a loving husband, father, and grandfather passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on April 17, 2025, at the age of 86.

Gary was born to Otto & Jeanette Gauer on February 16, 1939. He was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Lake Lillian MN. Gary graduated from Bird Island High School in 1957. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in September 1957 for three years. After discharge he attended the University of Minnesota and received his Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering Degree in 1969.

Gary married Grace Swanson on August 20, 1966, at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. Together they raised their son Gregory and daughter Gail.

He leaves his wife Grace, son Greg (Dina Andreotti), daughter Gail Struve (Bryan), grandchildren Riley & Natalie Gauer, Caleb & Evan Struve. Brothers Dean (Ruth), Robert (Linda), James (Pamela). Preceded in death by parents Otto & Jeanette Gauer, brother Daniel and in-laws Alex and Ida Swanson.

His engineering career spanned from Control Data, Minneapolis, Powers Regulator, Northbrook, Il, water softeners at Ecowater, Woodbury, MN, and plastic water heaters at Water Heater Innovations, Eagan, MN, until retirement in 2005. His efforts led to awards of 15 U.S. Patents.

Gary worked on uncles and cousins’ farms during his teenage years and loved driving John Deere tractors. He enjoyed canoeing in the Boundary Waters, cross-country skiing and attending various events and music performances of his grandchildren.

Gary and Grace enjoyed traveling across the United States, especially west to Oregon where daughter Gail moved in 1998. They visited Switzerland and Germany in 2002 and Norway and Sweden in 2014 – countries of their ancestors.

In later years Gary developed his web site to include the history of Kandiyohi County, Lake Lillian history, and the families who emigrated there. His dedication to research and sharing with others was his dream. Publication of his stories is planned by the family. Memorials can be designated to the family to carry out this effort.

In addition, memorials can be directed to All Saints Lutheran, Cottage Grove, and United Lutheran Church, Lake Lillian.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11am on Saturday June 21, 2025 at All Saints Lutheran Church, 8100 Belden Blvd. Cottage Grove. with a visitation starting at 10 a.m. An additional service will be held Monday June 23, 2025 at United Lutheran Church in Gary’s hometown of Lake Lillian. Gathering of family and friends at 11:30am with a service at 12 noon.

Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel in Hastings, MN is handling arrangements.