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Gary Mead

Gary G. Mead, age 78 of River Falls, WI, passed away on Saturday, October 3, 2020.  Gary was born on August 7, 1942 in Madelia, MN to Gordon and Dorothy (McCarthy) Mead.  Gary grew up in Madelia, later moved to St. Peter, MN, where he graduated from High School in 1960. After High School, Gary enlisted in the US Marine Corps where he served his country and was a proud United States Veteran.  Gary’s career was spent in the gas industry, primarily in propane.  During his life Gary also lived in Shakopee, MN, Hudson, WI, and eventually settled in River Falls, WI, where he and his wife Susie built a home in rural River Falls.  Gary’s later years were spent raising chickens, ducks, pigs, growing vegetables in his garden and spending time with his friends and family.

Gary was an avid sports enthusiast, with devotion to the Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Twins.  Gary also loved to hunt and fish.  In his younger years, he spent a lot of time duck hunting at Swan Lake in Minnesota where he taught his boys to hunt.  Gary also enjoyed pheasant hunting as well as deer hunting. Gary enjoyed conversation, and anyone who met him quickly learned he was an easy conversationalist. Gary possessed a quick wit and easy-going disposition.   Later in life, Gary’s white beard became synonymous with that of a certain holiday figure, and soon after he was approached to portray none other than St. Nick at parades and gatherings.

Gary will remain in the hearts of his wife Susie; his children, Joel, Paul (Jill), Colleen (Matt) Remarcik, Ann (Joel) Patrick, Erin (Pierre) Stassart and Elizabeth; step-children, Jeremy (Melissa) Bottolfson, Josh (Bobbi) Bottolfson, Katie (Keith) Brown and Cody Bottolfson.  Gary will be dearly missed by all his grandchildren whom he adored and was so very proud of:  Zach, Brandon, Mitchell, Connor, Cullen, Corryn, Lydia, Celine, Dylan, Layton, Brooklyn, Hayden, Tanner, Braelyn, Adisyn and Jens; brother, Thom Mead (Austin, TX); mother-in-law, Rose Marie “Sweetheart” Yunker; along with numerous nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and cousins.  Not to be forgotten, Gary’s faithful furry companion, his dog Maggie.  Gary was preceded in death by both his parents, Gordon and Dorothy Mead; sister, Phyllis; and brother, Douglas.

A Celebration of Gary’s life will take place 11:00 am – 1:00 pm Thursday, October 8, 2020 at the O’Connell-Benedict Family Funeral Home, 225 S. 3rd St., River Falls.  As a devoted Legion member, military honors provided by the River Falls Fletcher-Pechacek American Legion Post 121 will be conclude the gathering at 1:00 pm at the funeral home.  Private family services and interment at the Kinnickinnic Cemetery will be held.

Funeral services are entrusted to the O’Connell-Benedict Family Funeral Home of River Falls (715) 425-5644.  www.oconnellfuneralservices.com