Gary Stanley Chaffins

Gary Stanley Chaffins of Buffalo, 78, passed away peacefully at home on September 21, 2025. He was born on March 9, 1947 to Annabelle Chaffins. He married Robin Perisian on September 13, 1975, and they were lovingly married for 47 years, until Robin passed away in January 2023. Gary was preceded in death by his parents Annabelle and Ervin Duske and his sister Ruth Chock.

Gary is survived by his daughters Michelle Chaffins and Carla (Chaffins) (son-in-law Jim Giese); grandchildren Brady, Brandy, Breck, Annika and Roman; Annika and Roman's dad Tony Ertman; great-grandchildren Amelia, Elijah and Zoe; and many other family and friends.

He was a veteran of the United States Navy, where he served as an aviation mechanic. After his military discharge, he worked as an auto mechanic for Chrysler and then owned Gary's Auto Service in Rockford, MN for over 30 years. After selling his business to care for Robin while she was in poor health, he continued working as a small engine mechanic from home. Gary had a busy and brilliant mind with anything mechanical; a true wizard. He really could fix anything. Despite pain and physical limitations from a life of physical work, Gary never stopped moving, working and tinkering. He loved to find a good deal that he could fix and resell.

Gary loved snowmobiling and ATV trail riding with his family and friends. He was a valued member of the Rockford Ridge Riders Snowmobile Club for many years, and spent many hours grooming and maintaining trails and teaching youth snowmobile safety training. He gave countless hours as a volunteer reserve deputy with the Wright County Sheriff's Office. Gary loved his family dearly, and he was an amazing husband, Dad and Papa. He was a generous soul; and would help out anyone he could that was in need. Gary was a pillar of the Rockford community for over 50 years. He was known and loved by so many, and his absence is such a loss.

Gary missed the love of his life Robin so much, and they are now reunited in Heaven, together again eternally.

A funeral service and celebration of life will be held at Our Father's Lutheran Church in Rockford on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., with visitation one hour before at the church. Military Honors will take place at the church at the end of the service.