Gary Lee Saba

Gary Lee Saba, age 79, of Hopkins, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2025. Born on June 10, 1946, in Minneapolis, he was the beloved son of John and Norma (Kampff) Saba.
He graduated from Columbia Heights High School in 1964, and went on to serve his country by enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1965. Stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas, he served as a cook and later trained as a radar technician for Hercnight missile systems during the Vietnam Era. After his military service, Gary worked for the City of Minneapolis before beginning a distinguished 33-year career at FMC-United Defense Corporation in Naval Ordnance. As a test technician engineer, he contributed to the development of gun mounts and missile launch systems for the U.S. Navy, including the Vertical Launch System (VLS) for guided missiles and the laser-guided Crusader tank project. His innovations were credited with saving the government millions of dollars. Gary also enjoyed traveling for field service aboard Navy destroyers.
In 1970, Gary married Gail Schaefer, and during their 15 years together, they raised five amazing children. But Gary's heart extended far beyond his immediate family-he chose to be a father figure to his three nephews, providing foster care and creating a loving home. His children's siblings, friends, and countless others found in Gary a mentor and friend. Family was important to him and whether you were his cousin, coworker, classmate or friend...you were a member of his family!Gary was a man who stepped up wherever he saw a need. With little experience but boundless heart, he became a softball coach, hockey coach, and a founder/coach with the Hopkins Golden Gloves Boxing Club-all so his children and others could pursue what they loved. Beyond his roles as a father, army veteran, and test technician engineer, Gary was a passionate advocate for environmental stewardship. He championed wetland protections and worked tirelessly to suppress overdevelopment, believing deeply in the importance of preserving natural resources.
Gary spent his final years at The Glenn Hopkins, where he found a community of great friends. Gary was also a man of deep faith. Baptized and raised Lutheran, he found spiritual nourishment throughout his life, often sharing Bible verses, songs, and his vast knowledge of scripture and history. He spoke fondly of learning about the Lord at Grace and Truth Chapel in Minneapolis, and in his later years, felt most at home at St. Maron's Maronite Catholic Church. As a proud Lebanese man, he cherished the annual "Lebanese church festival," where he would spin tales, enjoy the food and music, and point out the stained glass depiction of St. Saba.
In the final 24 hours of his life he made his conversion to Catholicism. Father George and Chorbishop Sharbel of St Maron's administered the sacraments of First Reconciliation, Confirmation, First Communion, and the Anointing of the Sick, granting him Last Rites. Though his body was failing, Gary was still able to ask, "Am I now a Catholic?" to which Father George lovingly replied, "Yes, and you are now a member of St. Maron's." Words cannot express the peace and joy this brought Gary in his final hours.
Gary loved to spin a tale-some taller than others-and amazed those around him with his ability to recall facts that made you wonder how he knew so much. He never met a stranger as he quickly considered everyone he met a friend. He was proud of being from "over NordEast" (North East Minneapolis), found joy in fishing, gambling, telling jokes, and challenging loved ones to word games like Crossword, Cribbage, and Scrabble. His laughter, wit, and ability for storytelling was known by all.
Survived By- Children: Carrie (Michael) Speikers, Joseph (Susana) Saba, Sarah Saba, Cynthia (Jason) White- Children of his heart: Danny Kaiser, Daryl Kaiser, Joshua Melton- Proud Grandparent and Great Grandparent of: Joseph (Whitney) Saba, August (Logan) Speikers, James (Chris) Saba, Steven Saba, Noah (Emma) Saba, Jasmine (Chad) Saba, Aliyah (Andrew) Kutscher, Lance Crooks, Dominick Ortiz, Isaiah Wise-Saba, Elysette Ortiz, Emmalisa Melton, Josiah Melton, Evayah Melton, Gwendolyn White, Logan Saba, Juliana White, Max Saba, Emma Saba, Selah Kutscher. - Siblings: Connie (Bruce) Husby, Cindy (Jon) Stoewer, Ward Saba, sisters-in-law Teri Saba and Pat Saba- Favorite Cousin: Nancy Saba- Treasured God Daughter Kelli Saba Preceded in Death By- Parents: John and Norma Saba- Daughter: Mary Grace - Niece: Kim Schultz (Saba)- Nephew "Son": Duane Saba- Brothers: Cory Saba, Ron Saba, Dean Saba
Visitation Thursday, August 21, 2025, from 5-8 PM, at McNearney-Schmidt Funeral and Cremation, 1220 3rd Ave. East, Shakopee, MN, 952-445-2755. Visitation also Friday, August 22, from 10-11 AM, at St. Maron Maronite Catholic Church, 600 University Ave. NE, Minneapolis; followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM. Interment Hillside Cemetery, Minneapolis, with lunch back at church following burial. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Gary, please visit our Tree Store.