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Gary Wozniak Obituary
11/16/1957 - 11/09/2023
Gary James Wozniak of Waconia, Minnesota entered his eternal home on Thursday, November 9, 2023 at the age of 65 due to sepsis from an infection. He was born on November 16th, 1957 in Toledo, Ohio. He graduated from Toledo Catholic High school in 1975 and earned an associate degree in law enforcement from the University of Toledo. He married his wife of 43 years, Sheryl (Schonter) in 1980 and moved to Minnesota to pursue a degree in Christian Education. Gary graduated with a bachelor's degree in religious education from St. Paul Bible college in 1983. He served as youth director at Westgate Chapel for ten years before Teaching in the Christian ministry department at Crown College for 16 years also earning an educational doctorate in adult education during his time as a professor.
He had a drive to help others learn and to never stop learning himself. After his time at Crown, Gary drove school buses for Koch in his community. He always had a smile and nickname for everyone he met. For many, he was always the life of the party. Gary had many other passions including sports, good food, animals as well as family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his sister Susan; mother, Marcella; father, Harry; and sister, Sandra.
He is survived by his wife; daughter, Katie (Ben) Peterson; son, A.J. (Kate); sister, Sharon (Tom) Kwiatkowski; and granddaughter, Olivia Peterson.
A memorial service will be held at Westgate Chapel (2500 Wilford Dr. Toledo, OH 43615) on Thursday, May 30th, 2024, at 11:00 am with a luncheon to follow.
westgatechapel.org
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gary Wozniak
Diane Kaminski
May 30, 2024
Jim and I are sending our heartfelt sympathy to Sharon and Tom and the family on the loss of Gary. Remembering him in our prayers.
Shirley Jacobs
May 27, 2024
Sharon and Tom my sympathy to you and your family. Prayers to you both and may your brother rest in peace.
Michael Drzewiecki
May 27, 2024
My Deepest Condolences to his family. Gary and I were classmates at St Hyacinth and graduated together in 1971. Rest in Peace.
Barbara Sieja
May 26, 2024
Dear Sharon and Tom. Sending heartfelt condolences and prayers to you and your family on your brother death.
Barb Sieja
Kathy Douglas
May 26, 2024
It was a delight to know Gary. I look forward to seeing him again. And look forward to seeing you, Cheryl and family, this week.
Sue Aldrich
May 26, 2024
Gary is missed by so many. Before Gary became ill, one of his last ministering things he did before going into the hospital. He visited my husband Ralph who was so sick he never knew Gary was there. But Gary left a note for Ralph. On a cover of a magazine. Always serving until the end. This is love....
Pat Pero
May 26, 2024
Sharon and Tom. May he rest in peace. Prayers to you and your family.
Jackie Paluszak
May 26, 2024
Tom, Sharon and Family, my deepest condolences on the passing of Gary. He was a great guy and always the life of the party! I remember him fondly when we were Cheryl´s godparents. I will keep Gary and all of you in my prayers.
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