The time I knew Gary wasn't long enough. I was privileged to work with him in banquets at Doubletree for three years. The last time I worked with him, I plated up all the meals with his team in the kitchen. He handled the stress of cooking and serving hundreds of people with such a positive attitude. I always enjoyed seeing him come out into the banquet hall and talk with the people who raved about his cooking. He is missed greatly there, yet I know it is just a small comparison to how much he is missed by his beloved family. I will continue to pray for your family.

Jodi and family:

We were truly saddened to hear Gary had passed, and so unexpectedly seems to make it all the harder. He was so pleasant and we enjoyed visiting with you both over at Kathy and Kyles house on a number of occasions.

Know that our thoughts are with you and the girls and in time, may you be able to find peace once again.

Jody,

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Ann Pyfferoen

Jody, Jenessa and Justina, 

I enjoyed working with Gary Back in the Radisson days briefly and once again now @ the DoubleTree. He always was attempting to sing along with the various songs we were playing or just certain parts of the songs he recognized. It was a Honor to be a pallbearer along with Garys work family. Take care and god bless 

Jay Pickett and family 

Dear Jody,

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.  All of us on 3 Dom are thinking of you - we know how precious and fragile life can be.  I pray your memories of Gary will be sweet and carry you through the difficult times.

Our most sincere condolences.  It was always a pleasure to work with Gary so many different ACF functions .  He was always professional and brought a positive energy to the kitchen along with humor.  He will be sorely missed at the poker table.  We our so fortunate to have had Gary touch our lives.  Mike and Veronica Vale

Chef Tim McCarty of the Mayo contacted me about Gary's passing.  Shocked to hear, most of never think about what can happen so quick to alter lives of friends, loved ones & family members.   As I write this I just smiled as I thought of Gary working in the hotel kitchen laughing so hard he leaned over the table from falling.  We sure had fun with that sense of humor of his.  He would pick on just as hard as he got picked on & at work we did everday.  I also remember that Gary bailed me out dozens of times at work.  He would always do whatever needed to be done with a great attitude Same as he did outside work, always helping everyone it seemed.  I can't image what your family is going through, I feel for you & the children, you along with Gary will be in our prayers.

God Bless,

John T. Riley

We are saddened by the news of Gary's passing. Wanted you all to know you are in our thoughts and prayers.

George & Lori, Jason and Kristine Kingsley 

Dear Jody, Jenessa and Justina,

I'm so sad to hear of your loss.  We always had so much fun with your family in Rochester...one of my best memories is of Gary cooking dinner for all of us (it was REAL chicken alfredo).  See...it was so good I still remember after all these years!!

You are in my thoughts and I send hugs to you and the girls.

Love,

Jan Lofquist

Gary was such a joy to work with and for. He'll be deeply missed by all that he touched in their life.

Herb ad I are so shocked.  Gary and I worked together for many years on and off at the Radisson.  He was such a kind person and amazing friend.

Our love and sympathies go out to his family.

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You have been constantly in my thoughts and prayers since i heard the news. May the peace of God that excells all thought be with you and comfort you.

Sorry for your loss Jody. My thoughts are prayers are with your family.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Ohm

Jodi Janessa Justina

Roger and I are so saddened about Gary its so hard to believe, I know what you are feeling since only a year ago losing Patty and Mom Well theres a party up in heaven now im sure Patty welcomed Gary. Girls or Jodi if there is anything you need to be done or anything please call 715 928 3128 Hopefully we will see you Saturday Morning. Im trying to get work off to come but wont know until Friday. Jodi and girls you are in our thoughts and prayers. Love Roger & Linda 

Gary was such an amazing man with a larger than life personality and smile.  He was a man that could not only dish it out but take it.  I learned this all to well... I still remember attending a charity event where he showed up wearing a suit from the 90's (Think double breasted with a collarless t-shirt).  Ironically shortly thereafter I found an "Ambush Makeover" and rallied the entire hotel to nominate him and HE WON. The look on his very red face was priceless and one I will never forget.  I'm still unsure if he was actually "upset" or loved the attention, my vote is still for the latter. Either way from that day forward he always made sure his socks matched his pants even if it meant turning on all the lights and waking up Jody.

Sending all of my prayers, love and happy memories your way Johnson Family!!

Our Deepest Sympathy goes to all of you's at this difficult time.Gary was a really great person to work with.He will be missed dearly.He will always have a special place in mine & Richards heart…We will never forget you Gary...

Dear Jody, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family that God will give you Great Comfort and Strength in the difficult days ahead.

Jody,Jenessa and Justina

Gary was such a good friend of Sandy and I. We had so many great times,trip to Florida,BWCA,Wisc.Dells ect. Always had so many good hard belly laughs. Jody remember climbing the fence in Florida Good learning experence.Im so sad for you and the girls really can't wrap my mind around this. You are in our thoughts and prayers

Love Denny,Sandy,Nick and Jordan

Jody, Jenessa and Justina:

Gary was husband and dad to all of you but to a certain group of guys running around the east side of St. Paul, he was Squeek. He and I had so many fun adventures together. Jody, you where the love of his life and remember when he told us about you. God bless you Squeek, and your family in this tough time, we will meet again. Your friend Waldo.

I have known and worked with Gary for many years.  I will never forget him.  He was always so nice and helpful.  Always making sure other people were ok and was concerned for them.  Just talking to him would always make you feel better.  I would always tell him "what would I do without you Gary".  Now, I am finding out and I don't like it one bit.  Gary will always be remembered and never forgotten!  My heart and prayers go out to his family!

I always felt like one of the family in his home. I respected Gary, he was a great father and devoted husband. He was always accepting, and had unconditional love for his daughters, he also showed that love and acceptance to me. He played with my daughter and always welcomed us with a smile. I never saw him in a bad mood, although I am sure his daughters pulled it out of him every once in a while. I pray for peace and healing for his family. He sure will be missed.

I had the pleasure of working with Gary at the hotel.  He would always call me Sunshine, but the truth is he was the ray of sunshine!  I will miss his smile, laugh, and wonderful sense of humor.  My condolences to his wife, daughters, and Jack. 

The Abel Family would like to express their condolence, Gary (Squeek) was one of my dearest friends, he and I share alot of memories as pals throughout the years, Jody my thoughts are with you and your family. your friend Tom