Gary Dean Karau, 78, of Rochester, passed away after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer on Saturday, August 3, 2019 at Cottagewood Senior Living. Gary's wife and children were by his side till the end.

Gary was born August 3, 1941 to Glenn and Anne Marie (Vessey) Karau in Rochester, MN. Gary graduated in 1959 from Burgess High School in El Paso, Texas. He served in the Navy from 1959 to 1962. March of 1963, Gary married Barbara Ellefson in Rochester. Gary worked for Northwestern Bell/Qwest for more than 30 years.

After retiring, Gary and Barb traveled going on cruises in the Mediterranean, Alaska, Hawaii, and the Bahamas. They also took trips in the US to the east and west coast. Gary loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. Gary was a long time member of Peace United Church and served on the church council as well as other committees and Senior Saints. Gary loved his church. He was a member of the Rochester Eagles Club, enjoyed hunting, fishing, and special Canada fly-in fishing trips.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara; his daughter, Pamela (Lan) Quang of Massachusetts; his son, Daniel of Rochester; grandchildren, Andrea (Gabe) Paredes, Adam (Eleanor) Quang, and Bailey Karau; his sister, Glenda Andrist; and sister-in-law, Jean Karau. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Robert Karau.

The memorial service for Gary will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 14, 2019 at Peace United Church in Rochester with Pastor Paul Bauch officiating. Visitation will be held one hour before the service at church on Wednesday. Burial will be in Grandview Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Rochester.

The family prefers memorials to Peace United Church.