Obituary of Gary Lee Bestel

Gary Lee Bestel, 81, passed away peacefully surrounded by family members on Monday, October 2, 2023. His braveness was incredible.

Gary was born April 6, 1942, in Fergus Falls, Minnesota to Lyle & Elaine (Moe) Bestel. He was the first baby in the family to be born in an actual hospital. Gary moved to St Paul Park, MN and attended/graduated from Park High School in 1960. He married Gail Annette Wilson, June 16, 1962, just two short weeks after Gail graduated high school. They started their family shortly after, having one son, Gary Glen, and two daughters, Lorriann and Kim. Gary and Gail made St Paul Pk, MN their permanent
home.

Gary enjoyed spending time at the cabin up north, fishing, hunting, and being in the outdoors. He enjoyed tinkering with his tractors and riding around on the riding lawnmower. He loved his old country western music, and his cowboy shows. Above all, he loved spending time with Gail, his kids, and grandchildren.

Preceded in death by parents, Lyle & Elaine (Moe) Bestel, and daughter Lorriann (Bestel) Rasmussen.
Survived by his lovely wife of 61 years, Gail Annette (Wilson) Bestel, son Gary Glen Bestel (wife Lisa Bestel), daughter Kim (Bestel) Buetow (husband Mark Buetow), grandchildren Derren & Randi Bestel, Brittany & Vanessa Lovro, Cody & Ally Buetow, Kasey Schumann, Abigail Rasmussen, and Sam Nelson. Great grandchildren Ethan, Silas, Grayson, Mason & Roman Studer, Jack Hassan, Lily & Isaac Bestel, Brooklynn McCarthy, Winter Verdugo, and Murphy & Mackenzie Greene. Sister Gwen (David) Fuchs and brother Bruce (Charlene) Bestel.
Gary will be remembered for being one-of-a-kind, his strong demeanor and love for life. He will be missed. We will forever reminisce with our memories of Gary.

Visitation will be held at Cottage Grove United Church of Christ, 7008 Lamar Ave S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016, Tuesday, October 17 th at 10:30a with the Funeral at 11:30a. Luncheon will follow shortly after at Broadway Bar & Grill, 244 Broadway Ave, St Paul Pk, MN 55071.

Rest easy Dad/Grandpa.