Gary Lee Kaatz

Gary Lee Kaatz, age 81, was called to his eternal resting place on August 29, 2026, following a brief stay at HIA Heather's House in Fargo, North Dakota. Gary was born on August 10, 1945, in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, to the late Raymond Barnie Kaatz and Clarissa Elizabeth (Harpster) Kaatz.

On October 22, 1966, Gary married the love of his life, Gayle Karen (Eliasen) Kaatz, in Audubon, Minnesota. They shared more than 53 years of marriage until Gayle's passing on October 29, 2019. Just six days later, Gary's beloved daughter, Jennifer Tricia Kaatz, passed away unexpectedly. Gary carried the loss of both his wife and daughter with him throughout the remainder of his life. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Clarissa Kaatz; his wife, Gayle; his daughter, Jennifer; his sister, Patricia Branden; and his niece, Trisha Trimmer. He is survived by his sister, Vicki (Harold) Trimmer; nephew Todd (Marla) Branden; niece Tamara (Allen) Pesola; and nephew Tyrone (Shanteres) Trimmer. He is also survived by his great-nieces and great-nephews, Kailey, Alison, Zachery, Lana Trimmer, Nathaniel Branden, Victoria (Gunnar) Carley, Branden Pesola, Calven (Kayla) Pesola, as well as his beloved dog, Arya.

Gary graduated from Audubon High School, where he was an accomplished athlete and held the school record in the 100-yard dash for many years. He went on to attend Moorhead State University, where he continued to compete in track. Gary proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1965 to 2002, retiring as a Sergeant First Class. During the 1980s, while serving in the military, Gary and Gayle also owned and operated the Audubon Grocery Store. An avid outdoorsman, Gary loved hunting, fishing, and spending time with family and friends. Gary was one of the founding members of the Cormorant Lakes Sportsman’s club. Some of his favorite memories were made fishing with his daughter, Jennifer, and spending time at deer camp with his friends. He made many trips to Manitoba for goose hunting and greatly enjoyed the camaraderie and traditions that came with those trips. Gary also loved bringing people together. For many years, he hosted Fourth of July parties at his home, creating wonderful memories. Gary was a volunteer firefighter in Audubon, was a member of the American Legion, and a member of the AMVETS.

He was a man who valued his family, his friends, his country, and the outdoors. His stories, his love of adventure, and the memories he created with those around him will be cherished and remembered by all who knew him. Boyer Lake held a special place in Gary’s heart. It was there that he shared many happy years and made countless memories with his wife, Gayle, and daughter, Jennifer. After their passing, Gary continued to call Boyer Lake home, spending the remainder of his years there with his faithful companion, Arya. He found comfort in the familiar surroundings, the peacefulness of the lake, and the wonderful neighbors who became an important part of his life.

A special thank you to Gary’s neighbors, who always looked out for him, and to Brenda, who was a tremendous resource and support to Gary—caring for his home and helping with the everyday things that made life a little easier. We are also deeply grateful to the Roger Maris Cancer Center, the Veterans Administration Hospital, and HIA Heather’s House for the care, compassion, and support they provided to Gary.

Visitation will be at 10:00 am on Saturday, September 5th with a prayer service at 11:00 am at David Donehower Funeral Home in Detroit Lakes, MN.