Gary York

Gary G. York, 82, Minot formerly of Thief River Falls, MN, died Friday, February 20, 2026, at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND.

Gary was born March 16, 1943, in Rugby, ND to William and Elaine (Frishman) York. He grew up in Minot and graduated from Minot High School in 1961.

He was drafted into the US Army and served honorably as a part of Operation Whitecoat from 1964-1966. Following his discharge, he moved to Minnesota.

Gary was united in marriage to Karen A. Vagle on October 14, 1967. Though living in several places they primarily resided in Lake Bronson, MN before settling in Thief River Falls, MN. He was employed as an independent truck driver for over 20 years, then for Foltz trucking for twenty years until he finished his career driving 6 more years for Greg Hanson Trucking, retiring on October 20, 2019.

Following Karen’s passing on May 3, 2019, he moved back to his roots in Minot in November of 2019.

Gary was a former and founding member of Open Arms Church in Thief River Falls, MN and most recent member of the Minot Seventh-day Adventist Church in Minot, ND.

He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, exploring museums and ghost towns with his friends Pinky and Gene. He loved singing in church and giving sermons. He will be remembered for his kindness and generosity as well as his love of history and spreading God’s word, that he truly lived his life by.

Gary is survived by his children Daniel (Tina) York, Max, ND, Melody (Eric) Pederson, Roseau, MN and Jeremy York, Grand Meadow, MN; 11 grandchildren Travis Pederson, Zachary Audette, Trevor Pederson, Hunter Audette, Andrea Strange, Sophea Strange, Christopher York, Jessie York, Brittany Windfield, Breanna Windfield and Brandon York; 7 great-grandchildren; sister Gayla (Lee) Schmidtbauer, Alexandria, MN and several nieces and nephews.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, wife Karen and a son, Christopher.

Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 27, 2026 at Open Arms Christian Fellowship, 401 St. Paul Ave. South, Thief River Falls, MN led by Pastor David Werner. A recording of the service will be shared at www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com

Internment: Little Deep Cemetery, rural Upham, ND (Spring of 2026)

Visitation in Thief River: Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Open Arms Christian Fellowship, Thief River Falls, MN.

Visitation in Minot: Wednesday, February 25, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.

Memories and condolences can be shared at www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com

Arrangements trusted to Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot and Johnson Funeral Service, Thief River Falls, MN