Gary Burnside, 72, of Hawley, MN, passed away peacefully at his home, on Tuesday, January 14, 2014.
Gary John Burnside was born on August 7, 1941, the son of John and Opal (Reidberger) Burnside at home in Keene Township, near Hitterdal. He attended school in Hitterdal, MN, and as a young man was employed by several farmers in the area. On May 21, 1966, Gary was united in marriage to Donna Sather at Salem Lutheran Church in Hitterdal. The couple made their home in Moorhead, MN, for six years before moving to their current residence just outside of Hawley.
Gary was employed with Union Storage as a forklift operator for 30 years, retiring in 1997. He was an avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed watching wildlife around his home as much as pursuing it. Gary enjoyed gardening and planting trees, primarily for the benefit of God's creatures that were lucky enough to visit him. He was a past member of the Hawley Rod and Gun Club as well as the Teamsters Local 116. His soft spoken way will be missed by those around him.
Gary is survived by his wife of 47 years, Donna of Hawley; a daughter, Becky (Matt) Siiro of Hawley, MN; a son, Troy (Amy Pederson) of Fargo, ND; two grandchildren, Emily Siiro and Jacob Siiro; two sisters, Marlys (Larry) Hogetvedt of Brainerd, MN, and Julie (Arvid) Syverson of Ulen, MN; three brothers: Roger (Char) Burnside of Fargo, ND, Kenneth (Diane) Burnside of Ulen, MN, and Andrew Burnside and his partner, Gary Gorecki of Cannon Falls, MN.
He is preceded in death by his parents; three brothers: Duane, Curtis and baby Roger; and sister, Arlene.
Funeral Services were held on Monday, January 20, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. in Salem Lutheran Church, Hitterdal. Visitation was Sunday, January 19, 2014, from 3-5 p.m. in Salem Lutheran Church and one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Officiating was Pastor Dane Skilbred with Penny Herzog serving as organist. Pallbearers were Tyler Burnside, Roy Chounard, Gary Wayne Buretta, Robby Burnside, Corey Burnside and Darcy Burnside.
Interment was in Keene Lutheran Cemetery, rural Ulen, MN.