Gary Wayne Metzler passed peacefully on August 21, 2025, in Minnesota with family by his side, after a determined 10-year journey with Alzheimer’s Disease.

He is survived by his wife, Beth (Zarling) Metzler; his son, Justin Metzler (Audrey Metzler); his daughter, Marissa Malloy (Kenny Malloy); and his two grandchildren, Makayla Metzler and Dylan Metzler. He is also survived by his brother, Kurt Metzler (Pamela Metzler), and his sister, Gail Gualtiere; and by dozens of nieces and nephews.

Born in Thornwood, New York, on August 26, 1951, Gary was the eldest of three children to John and Barbara Metzler. Studious and hardworking, he became the first in his family to attend college, earning his degree at Clarkson University and later a Master’s in Environmental Engineering from NYU.

A proud environmentalist, Gary began his career designing water and wastewater treatment systems before finding his true calling in Sales Engineering. With his natural gift for connecting with people, he built lasting relationships with customers over four decades. Gary was a meticulous recycler, legendary box crusher, and trash compactor aficionado.

In 1982, Gary moved to Minnesota where he met his future bride, Beth. Together they built a life in Eden Prairie, raising their two children alongside a rotating cast of family dogs and cats. A devoted husband and father, Gary was both teacher and coach - instilling lessons of hard work, getting a good education, spotting a bargain, negotiating a “heck of a deal,” and, most importantly, laughing often and being yourself.

Known for his animated personality, Gary brought levity everywhere he went–whether cracking an offbeat joke, striking up conversations with strangers in grocery store aisles, or lighting up the dance floor with bold moves–adoringly earning him his nickname Disco Gary. His dance floor antics were so legendary that he once left a wedding reception on a stretcher with a broken ankle - high-fiving guests on the way out. Though born in the ’50s, Gary delighted his kids by blasting and singing along to their hip-hop playlists - most notably the Black Eyed Peas, Ludacris, Snoop Dogg, and “No Diggity.” Sharp and quick-witted, yet silly and delightfully goofy, Gary was always ready with a clever remark, playful comeback, or dad joke to amuse his kids.

Gary’s passions ran deep: cheering on his beloved Minnesota Vikings (after growing up a Giants fan and even attending two Super Bowls with his brother, Kurt), staying active at “the club” (fitness center), coaching his kids’ sports teams, savoring tasty meals, and being the self-proclaimed “sauce guy” who never met a dish that couldn’t use more cheese, black pepper, or extra sauce. He had a true passion for food - especially a bowl of ice cream to finish the day.

Staying active was always a cornerstone of Gary’s life. Whether competing fiercely on the tennis court, biking miles through Minnesota’s scenic trails, crushing drives on the golf course , skiing in the winter, running, or bowling, Gary found joy in movement–a passion he shared with Beth and passed on to his kids. He was equally dedicated to weightlifting, meticulously tracking his progress and proudly recording his best lifts in a journal.

Above all else, Gary was faithful to his values and loyal to the core, always putting others first - whether to his teams, his family, his fitness routines, or his treasured Holiday Inn Express, where he stayed religiously for work trips, cherished the free breakfasts, and proudly collected loyalty points.

For the last decade, Gary faced Alzheimer’s with the same levity and strength he brought to every challenge. Beth and Gary found joy through friendships made in local Alzheimer’s groups, as well as participation in the Giving Voice Choir. His family is grateful for the compassionate care he received at Parks Place Memory Care in his final years.

A celebration of Gary’s life will be held at Pax Christi Catholic Community on Monday, September 8, 2025. Visitation at 10 a.m., service at 11 a.m., followed by a luncheon reception. During the luncheon, an “open mic” will be available for sharing favorite memories and stories of Gary. Guests are invited to wear purple and gold in his honor.

For those unable to attend, memories and condolences may be shared at https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/gary-metzler-obituary?id=59325004&

In lieu of flowers, please honor Gary’s memory by recycling - or better yet, by making someone laugh. SKOL!