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Gary Gilman, age 93, of Mahnomen, MN, passed away on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home, surrounded by loved ones.

Gary John Gilman was born on September 18, 1932, in Ponsford, MN, to John Wesley and Ruby Ann (Doucette) Gilman. As a young boy he spent several years in San Francisco, CA, where he attended Catholic school. He later returned to Elbow Lake, MN, where he was raised by his mother, Aunt Opal and grandparents where he spent many years with cousins. He graduated with the Waubun High School Class of 1950.

Following graduation, Gary enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, 1st Mar. Div. 2nd BN. and served during the Korean War until his honorable discharge in 1953. For his service, he received several medals, including a Purple Heart and a Korean Service Medal.

After returning home, Gary married the love of his life, Margie Hendrickson, on April 29, 1954, in Reno, NV. They made their home in San Mateo, CA, where they welcomed their first child, Bruce. The family later returned to Minnesota, where their daughter Sue was born. The family eventually moved to a farm in Braham, MN, where they created many special memories including the birth of their 3rd child, Michelle, and enjoyed raising Arabian horses. In the late 1970s, Gary drove semi-truck and helped set up missile sites in the Midwest.

Throughout much of his working life, Gary was a professional semi-truck driver. From his time in the military through his retirement, he drove for several companies, including Consolidated Freightways and Baxter Medical. His work allowed him to travel widely and see much of the country. After retiring in 1994, Gary and Margie moved to Twin Valley, MN, where he took great pride in growing a large garden. In their later years, they made their home in Bejou and Mahnomen, where they built many lasting friendships and stayed active in their community.

Gary was a man of many interests who embraced life with enthusiasm. In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting ducks, geese, and deer, and spending time on the lake fishing. A talented woodworker, he created treasured pieces for his family, from small keepsakes to sturdy benches. Gary loved playing cards, was part of a traveling card club for years, and never passed up a good game of bingo. He also bred and trained Springer Spaniels and remained proud and active in local VFW posts and at the church. A free spirit at heart, Gary was always thinking of others and was quick to lend a hand. Above all, Gary dearly loved his family and was incredibly proud of them. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Gary is survived by his wife of over 70 years, Margie Gilman; children: Bruce (Theresa) Gilman, Sue (Lonnie) Lattimore, and Michelle Redenti; grandchildren: Bruce Gilman Jr., Renelle (Tyler) Perkins, Josh (Maranda) Gilman, Scott Ferguson, Justin (James) Lattimore, Heather Lattimore, Kalynn Redenti, and Korina Redenti; great-grandchildren: Isabell Gilman, Hudson Gilman, Darian (Jules) Gilman, Delana Gilman, Destiny Gilman, Evelyn James, Eric Perkins, Abel Perkins, Jason (Jen) Ferguson, Samantha Kopeikin, and Juaking Sandoval; and many great-great grandchildren.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ruby Gilman; parents-in-law, Clara and Louis Hendrickson; aunt, Opal Voit; and many beloved extended family.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at First Lutheran Church, Mahnomen, MN. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.