Gary G. Wilcek

Gary G. Wilcek, 80-year-old resident of Little Falls, MN, passed away Friday, June 27, 2025 at St. Otto's Care Center in Little Falls.

Mass of Christian Burial held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, July 3, 2025 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Little Falls with Father Patrick Hoeft officiating. Burial at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery north of Little Falls. Visitation held from 9:00 to 11:00 A.M. on Thursday at the church. Military Rites conducted by the Little Falls American Legion Post #46. Caring for Gary and his family is the LeMieur Funeral Home in Little Falls, MN.

Gary Gilmore Wilcek, born on July 20, 1944, in Little Falls, MN, to the late Gilmore and Marian (Schoenherr) Wilcek, passed away surrounded by loved ones. Gary spent his early years moving across several states as his family followed employment opportunities. He graduated from Johnson High School in St. Paul in 1962. In January 1965, he proudly enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. After completing basic training in San Antonio, Texas, he served with distinction in Australia, the Philippines, Germany, and Vietnam, and was honorably discharged in August 1969. On December 13, 1969, Gary married Darlene Zapzalka, at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Little Falls. The couple made their home in St. Paul, where Gary worked in construction before joining the Army National Guard in 1971. They later settled on a hobby farm in Little Falls Township and together raised five children. Gary worked as a mechanic at Camp Ripley until his retirement in 1993, after which he held a variety of part-time jobs. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and an adoring grandpa who found great joy in fishing, family card games-especially poker, pinochle, and 500-and celebrating birthdays and holidays with those he loved. He was a faithful member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, rarely missing his weekly adoration or daily rosary. Gary was also a proud lifetime member of American Legion Post 46. One of his greatest joys was cheering on his 13 grandchildren at their sporting events and musical performances. Gary's legacy is one of service, devotion, and deep love for his family. He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered.

Gary is survived by his wife of 55 years, Darlene; children, Jim (Jayne), Paul (Ann), Greg (Anna), Christine and April; grandchildren, Beth and Andrew Wilcek, Brandon, Travis and Cole Wilcek, Nora, Lucy and Stella Wilcek, Majid, Kaysar, Maryam, Mahdi and Lila Almadan; and brother, Don Wilcek.

Gary was preceded in death by parents, Gilmore and Marian Wilcek; in-laws, Albin and Florence Zapzalka; brother, Vernon; and son-in-law, Majeed Almadan.