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1948
2020
Gary D. Schlagel, 72, Valley City, ND passed away at Essentia Health in Fargo, ND on November 2, 2020. A funeral service with military honors will be held for Gary at 10:30 AM on Saturday, November 7, 2020 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Valley City. He will be buried in the old Holy Trinity Cemetery, Fingal, ND. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Friday, November 6 at the Lerud Mathias Funeral Home. Regulations and guidelines set concerning COVID 19 will be followed, please wear your mask and practice social distancing. The funeral service will be live streamed, then archived, and can be viewed along with his obituary and tribute page on the funeral home website, www.lerudschuldt.com
Gary Dean Schlagel was born in Fargo, ND on April 28, 1948 to Frank J. and Mary Ellen (Bowe) Schlagel. He grew up in the Fingal, ND area and attended school in Lucca through the 8th grade. He graduated from Fingal High School. Gary enlisted with the US Navy on August 23, 1966 and served his country during the Vietnam Era. He was honorably discharged in 1970. When he returned to the states, he decided to continue his education and attended NDSCS in Wahpeton, ND where he earned a degree in civil engineering. In 1975 he started working at area elevators as the manager before his career began with the ND DOT. He retired from the DOT in March of 2014.
Most know of Gary's service to the veterans in our area. He was a member of the VFW, AMVETS, and the American Legion. He held various offices in a number of veteran organizations. Gary was an integral part of the funeral honors color guard. He belonged to the Eagles Club and was an avid deer hunter.
The softer side of Gary was a holiday tradition in many area households. He was one of Santa's helpers and relayed thousands of Christmas wish lists to the big guy himself.
Gary is survived by his son, Scott (Shelly); his brother, Darrell (Karla); his grandchildren; a nephew, Cody; and a dear friend, Myrna. He was preceded in death by his grandparents; his parents; his son, Todd; and a granddaughter.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Lerud-Schuldt-Mathias Funeral Home.
Saying a prayer for Gary, you were such a good man
Kathy Gednalske
Family
October 28, 2023
I will miss you Gary, you were the best brother-in-law. We loved your last visit to see us in Houston. Our special chats on the phone catching up on our lives.
Now I know you are in Heaven with Todd and smiling down on us.
You were a great man and May you Rest In Peace.
Love you
Kathy Gednalske
December 21, 2020
Sorry to hear about Gary's passing. Though I was a year behind him in high school, and he could be a rabble-rouser; we had many good times together. He always had a smile on his face which I won't forget! Sorry for your loss.
Stan Buchholz
Friend
November 7, 2020
I am sorry for your loss, my deepest sympathy.
Connie Foth
November 7, 2020
Gary was a great man. He was so kind and loving to me. When I was 14 I went on a school trip to NYC and DC and he graciously donated $100 for me to be able to go. He was so excited for me and loved hearing about the trip. He was always asking how I was and how school and work was going for me. He was so genuinely interested and happy to hear from me. You’ll be missed greatly. RIP Gary.
Unique Broman
Family
November 6, 2020
I wish I would of known Gary earlier in my life. He was a great guy to many
of us. He served his country proudly. I was on his route to do snow removal with that JD tractor of his. He told me it was his mission at this time of his life to help others. I know at time that he was struggling with his health but that was not getting in his way. I found out that I was on his
list again on the day he passed away. Gary, God has work for you I am sure; but maybe no JD tractor. God bless you my friend.
Joe & Martee Lunde
Friend
November 5, 2020
I served with Gary aboard the USS Kennebec during the Viet Nam War. He served as president of the USS Kennebec Association for a number of years. He will be missed dearly by his shipmates. Fair winds and following seas Gary.
Rex Livengood, Brenham, Texas
Rex Livengood
Served In Military Together
November 5, 2020
Thanks for all the work that Gary did on all of the “Kennebec’s Reunions”. Couldn’t have had them, had so much fun or become friends with so many different people without his efforts.
He will be sadly missed by many from all over our nation.
Walter & Marylou Norkus
Served In Military Together
November 5, 2020
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Funeral services provided by:
Lerud-Schuldt-Mathias Funeral Home515 Central Ave North, Valley City, ND 58072
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