Obituary of Gary Kermit Backlund

Gary Kermit Backlund was born December 6th, 1942 in Holmes City, MN, the son of Kermit and Viola (Engstrom) Backlund. Gary graduated from high school in Alexandria, MN in 1961. Gary's career was in the electrical business where he attained his Master Electrician License. His nickname was "Sparky!" Gary was married to Tonia "Toni" Polipnick in 1965. From this union, two children were born (Chad and Kandee.) Gary loved playing slow and fast pitched softball, Resorter's Baseball League, golfing, hunting with his dad, uncle, cousin and brother. After suffering a stroke in 1997, affecting his speech, Gary logged many miles in his pickup, drinking pepsi, waving and smiling to everyone in Douglas County! Gary loved his two children, grandchild, family, and many, many friends. The last 4 years he resided in Chaska, MN closer to his children and grandson, Asher. On Monday, June 19th, 2017. Gary died peacefully at the age of 74. He was preceded in death by his parents, niece (Jennifer Lang.) Gary is survived by his son Chad (Melanie) Backlund of Bloomington, daughter Kandee (Chris) Johnson and grandson Asher Ky Johnson of Waconia. brother Loren (Lola) Backlund, sisters Ginnie (Tom) Lang and Gayle (Greg) Haanen, 3 aunts and many nieces and nephews and many, many friends. The family would like to thank Hidden Creek Assisted Living Staff, Interim Healthcare Hospice staff and Calvary Lutheran Church. Memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, June 30, 2017 at Calvary Lutheran Church, 605 Douglas St., Alexandria. Visitation one hour prior to service. www.cremationsocietyofmn.com.