Richard Roman "Rick" Gajeski

Rick Gajeski, 68, of Stephen, MN, died unexpectedly on Saturday, March 29, 2025, while enjoying his retirement in Arizona.
Richard Roman Gajeski was born on June 27, 1956, in Grafton, ND, to Roman and Bernice (Janikowski) Gajeski. Raised on the family farm, Rick lived in Stephen his whole life and was proud of it. He graduated in 1974 and continued his life's work farming. On July 11, 1981, Rick was married to Kim Laudal at the St. Stephen Catholic Church. They raised four children. The six of them did so many things together that, alongside the adventures he shared with other people, they can't be listed here. They are endless. From the snowmobile and camping trips, to time spent cruising out on the water in Cass Lake (though he was not known for his swimming abilities), motorcycle journeys, vacations, vintage snowmobile runs, Rick was always up for an adventure.
If you knew Rick, you know he was always up for a good conversation. He enjoyed visiting around town, chatting with his lifelong friends and neighbors, taking weekends away with his friends for vintage shows, and discussing all things, farming, John Deere, Fords, motors, racing, Harleys, and everything in-between. This is probably an understatement. Rick loved restoring, collecting and working on everything, especially tractors and snowmobiles. Above all, Rick enjoyed his weekends at the lake with his family, especially his grandchildren who were his everything. Rick loved taking his grandchildren on Gator rides to show the ways of farm life. He was just as excited to go see the shop cats everyday as the kids were. The 'Claw' and his malts are things both Rick's children and his grandchildren have many fun memories of. Passing the farm on to Adam was something he was so incredibly proud of that helping out wasn't work, they were his best days.
At the time of his passing, Rick was enjoying his retirement in Arizona, putting thousands of miles on his motorcycle, and enjoying life alongside his best friend and wife of 43 years, Kim.
He leaves behind a full life, well-lived, but one that is still too short.
Missing him dearly are his wife, Kim; children, Jackie (Weston) Crane of Buckeye, AZ, Sara (Colter) Kautzmann of Trophy Club, TX, Adam (Britni) Gajeski of Stephen, and Kalie Gajeski (Tom Nugteren) of West Fargo, ND; five grandchildren, Chloe Crane, Preslee and Blakely Kautzmann, and Gwendolyn and Elliot Gajeski; sisters, Ramona (Don Kuhn) Arch of Mesa, AZ, and Laurel (Bruce) VanDake of Park Rapids, MN; sister-in-law, Suzanne Gajeski; Kim's siblings, Denny (Adele) Laudal, Darrell (Linda) Laudal, Jody (Jay) Field, and Doyle (Donna) Laudal; and his many other friends and relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Roman and Bernice; and brother, Gene.
Memorials are preferred and may be made to the local organizations-
+ The Old Hometown Museum or
+ The Stephen Lions Club in honor of Rick's 35+ year membership
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 10:30 AM, in St. Stephen Catholic Church, Stephen, MN.
A RECORDING may be found here: RICK GAJESKI FUNERAL MASS
VISITATION: Tuesday evening, April 8, from 5:30 PM, with a 7:15 Rosary, 7:30 PM Prayer Service in the Church.
INTERMENT: St. Stephen Cemetery, Stephen, MN.
LUNCHEON: to follow in the Stephen American Legion Hall.
The Family of Rick Gajeski would like to thank everyone for being a part of the great adventure he called life.
In his sudden passing we are so grateful for all the thoughtfulness and care our community of friends and family have given us.
We could never repay any of you except to thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
In lieu of sending out thank you cards, we will be making donations to a few places around town that Rick loved.
With gratitude for Rick... and gratitude for you.
+Kim, Jackie, Sara, Adam, Kalie, & their families