Age 81, of Inver Grove Heights, MN
A special message from Gary to everyone who knew him, “One of my goals in life was to make everyone happy. Through my journey I found a treasure of happiness that was made possible through the friendships that were formed with each of you. The good spirit brought us together and I thank you for your friendship.”
Born in Milwaukee, WI on July 22, 1941, Gary was an avid archer with a passion for hunting and the great outdoors. It was a hobby that led to an adventurous career in pest control that lasted for more than 60 years. Also known as Bugs or Bugman, Gary was a kind, generous, quick-witted, and humorous man who loved to make people laugh. He was also an amazing story teller who loved sharing funny stories of the industry he so loved, his passion for hunting and the people whose lives he touched.
As owner/operator of Gary’s Pest Control, a company that he and his wife Carole formed in 1971, they were among early pioneers in the local twin cities Pest Control industry. Former president and life-long member of the Minnesota Pest Management Association, Gary was legendary in his field. He likened pest control to his passion for hunting because pest control operators must learn and understand the nature of their prey.
Founding father, president, and club member of Kaposia Archers, Gary was a champion and true sportsman in every sense of the word. With an aim as keen as an eagle’s eye and as swift and true as the arrow flies, he was a man who shared his passion with everyone he knew. He’ll be remembered by generations of family, friends and neighborhood kids alike, as the man who taught them to hunt and to shoot, to take a walk in the woods, respect nature, be kind, always enjoy a good laugh and surround yourself with good friends.
Following a courageous battle with neuroendocrine cancer, Gary peacefully entered the happy hunting grounds on Saturday, August 27th, 2022 with family by his side. He touched the lives of many people and will be deeply missed.
Preceded in death by wife (Carole), his parents (Gary and Lillian), sisters (Garolyn Robens and Vicky Yost). Survived by loving partner and best friend of over 18 years, Lola Royer, brother Denny (Sue), daughter Stephanie Franciscus (Scott Marshall), son Lance (Patrice), son Gary Jr. (Giuffridu), Grandchildren (Christina, Josh, Stephan, Jerod and Garret) and many nieces and nephews.
Please join us for a celebration of life gathering on Thursday, September 1st between 4:00 – 8:00 PM. Sharing of memories at 7 PM.
Memorials preferred to your local food shelf.