Gary Stueness, age 74, of Gary, MN passed away on Sunday, October 6, 2024 at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND.

Born on November 19, 1949, in Ada, MN, to Bennie and Veronica (Berray) Stueness, Gary spent his early years in Home Lake Township, rural Twin Valley. He graduated with the class of 1967 from Twin Valley High School and soon after began his career as a semi-truck mechanic at Wallworks Trucking Center, where he worked until 1982. Gary was known for his skillful hands and problem-solving abilities, traits that followed him throughout his life.

On July 17, 1971, Gary married the love of his life, Betty Natwick, at the Gary Lutheran Church. The couple moved to Gary, MN, to take over the Natwick Group Home, which Betty's parents had lovingly operated for years. Together, they ran the group home until 2001, providing care and comfort to many. During this time, Gary also took on the role of a rural mail carrier for Gary, a job he held for 26 years. Even in retirement, Gary found joy in staying active and productive. Gary also served on the Gary Fire Department for 10 years during his early years in Gary.

Gary was known for his signature "Stueness" sense of humor—his dry wit and perfectly timed jokes always brought smiles to those around him. He was a great listener, always sharing a mix of wisdom and humor. His stubbornness only made him more endearing, especially when it came to keeping his lawn perfect or finishing household projects—things that gave him a lot of pride and satisfaction. A proud and doting grandfather, Gary loved attending his grandchildren's sporting events, cheering them on from the sidelines and boasting about their achievements. He was also an avid sports fan, enjoying games from the comfort of his home.

Gary is survived by his wife of 53 years, Betty; sons, Thomas (Abigail) and Anthony; grandchildren: Brenna, Mariah, Morgan, Madison, Taylor  and Sydney; great-granddaughter, Olivia; brother, Kent Stueness; sisters, Lacinda (Richard) Scruggs and Shellie Bueng; brother-in-law, David Natwick; sisters-in-law, Marsha Gullingsrud, Carolyn Warrington, Valerie Natwick and Leanne Stueness; and many nieces and nephews.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Vance Stueness; sisters-in-law, Marilyn Natwick and Denice Stueness; and brothers-in-law, Terry Gullingsrud and Howard Warrington.

Funeral services will be held Friday, October 11, 2024 at 2:00pm, with a visitation one hour prior, at the Anderson Family Funeral Home in Twin Valley, MN. Interment will be at Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Twin Valley.