Gary Slagle

Gary Slagle, 80, of Longville, died Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025, at his home surrounded by family.

Born the salt of the earth, one of 10 siblings, Gary's legacy was forged in the tenacity of his work ethic, fortified in his fierce love of family, and never truer than those quiet mornings in the crisp north woods. A true craftsman of his own fate, Gary spent 60 years married to his soulmate, Marty, building a home and family together in their corner of Longville.

Raising three children, Wade, Wes and Wendy, instilling in them the same never-give-up attitude, creating in them a living legacy of determination, Gary's proudest moments and most prized memories revolved around his family.

His smile never shown so big nor the twinkle in his eye so bright as when he held one of his three granddaughters Eryn, Aniki and Avery or taught his grandson, Jack, the perfect sightline from his deer stand. A game of cards, a perfectly rhymed song, slightly inappropriate joke, or a story sure to make you laugh until you cried were hallmarks of a day spent at Grandma and Grandpa Buddy's house.

Dotting the shores of many lakes across northern Minnesota are the dreams that Gary brought to life for his clients over decades of building and serving his neighbors in various trades. Gary didn't believe in a hand out but he surely gave many across his community a hand-up in life. Building a business wasn't just a career for Gary, it was a calling.

A woodsman at heart, Gary found both God and purpose in the quiet solitude of nature. He knew all his turkeys by name and was never more at home and at peace than when enjoying the bounty and blessings of the land.

Gary is lovingly survived by his wife of 60 years, Maurinetta; son Wesley (Tammy) Slagle; daughter Wendy (Kassie) Slagle; grandchildren Eryn (Alex) Vasquez, Jack Slagle, Aniki Bolles and Avery Bolles; siblings Shirley Girken, Jean (Ron) Fishel, Frank Slagle (Dianne); sisters-in-law Billie Ann (Dean) Slagle, Deb (Duane) Godfrey; and many cousins, friends and other family.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Ethel and Samuel "Ed" Slagle; son Wade Slagle; parents-in-law Wesley "Bud" and Noreen Carpenter; and siblings Charles Slagle (infant) Harlan (Gloria) Slagle, Dorris Demars, Jan (Ken) Kline, Edward "Butch" Slagle and Joyce (Howard) Miller.

He is not gone, just gone ahead, in God's arms and abundant love. A special thank you to Baywood Home Care, especially our live-in care team (Tiffany Amos and Stan Ontweka) Michelle Flahave and Moments Hospice for your dedicated and compassionate care of Gary these last six months.

A visitation will be held Nov. 24 at 10 a.m. at Community Church in Longville, followed by the 11 a.m. memorial service. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery, Longville, at a later date.

To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.rowefuneralho meandcrematory.com

Arrangements are with the Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids.