Gary Joe Mogen

Gary J. Mogen, age 78, of Hastings, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2026, at United Hospital following a courageous battle with COPD and complications related to Agent Orange exposure.

Gary was born on May 5, 1947, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Joseph and Bernice (Kendall) Mogen. He was raised in Coates, Minnesota, alongside his siblings, Bonnie and Norbert. He graduated from Rosemount High School and soon after joined the United States Air Force, proudly serving four years on active duty, including an 18-month tour in Okinawa.

Though Gary often spoke of the challenges veterans faced during that era, his pride in serving his country never faded. He remained a lifelong advocate for veterans, even donating his motorcycle to a veterans organization as a final gesture of support.

Following his military service, Gary earned a law enforcement degree from Inver Hills Community College and served as a Special Deputy for Dakota County. Over the years, he worked in several hands-on professions, including truck driving for his father’s company, school bus driving, and later as a bail bond agent.

Above all else, Gary was a devoted father to his daughter, Cammie Jo. He cherished the time they spent together, especially traveling the roads with her on semi-truck runs and sharing long conversations that created lifelong memories.

Gary later married Caren Metz, and together they shared 19 wonderful years of marriage filled with motorcycle rides, road trips, and travel to NASCAR races. Gary proudly supported Caren’s continued advocacy for veterans’ causes.

Gary enjoyed time with friends, treasured moments with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and found joy in the simple pleasures of family life. Gary cherished the companionship of his dog, Abby, who passed away several years earlier. He will be remembered as a funny, honest, and direct man who was a loving husband, a proud father and grandfather, a loyal friend, and a dependable provider who always took care of those he loved.

Gary is survived by his wife, Caren Mogen; daughter, Cammie Jo (Derek) Mogen Flynn; grandchildren, Ashlyn (Bruce) Otto, Taylin Flynn, and Blake Adams; great-grandchildren, Kyndra, Brentlee, and Hudsyn; stepsons, Matthew (Katie) Adams and Luke Ritchie; brother-in-law, Brett Anderson; sister-in-law, Sue Metz-Anderson; brother-in-law, Chris Metz; nieces and nephews, Morgan (Anderson) Schmid, Madisyn Anderson, Shayla Metz, Aubri Metz, Gavin Metz, Scott Mogen, Joel Mogen, and Chris Mogen; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Bernice Mogen; sister, Bonnie Ajax; brother, Norbert “Norb” Mogen; and nephew, Braedon Metz.

A Funeral Service for Gary will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, February 12, 2026 at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel, 3075 Vermillion Street in Hastings. Visitation will be from 4 - 7 p.m. Wednesday, February 11 and also from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday, both at the funeral home. Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the family for a donation to be made at a later date to the charity of their choice.