Gary P. Southwick – Rochester, MN

Gary Paul Southwick, age 73, died Monday, January 4th at Samaritan Bethany Nursing Home following a long battle with congestive heart failure.  Gary was born July 4th, 1936, in Rochester, MN to Elwyn (Al) and Hazel (Christensen) Southwick.  He attended Rochester schools and in 1953 enlisted in the Army serving as a paratrooper in the 508th Airborne Division during the Korean War.  He was very proud of his service.  After the Army, he married Rita Krofta in Preston, Minnesota on October 24th, 1964.  They were later divorced.

Gary was employed as an over-the-road truck driver.  He then went on to employment at Bob's Construction, Glenn's Starting and Towing, and finally Grubb's Refrigeration.  He retired in 1996 due to illness.  He enjoyed woodworking, finishing crossword puzzles…with a pen, fishing, his many dogs throughout the years, tinkering, spending time with his grandchildren, and watching football games.  He loved to reminisce about past fishing trips spent with his buddies.  He could always find a witty thing to say or put on paper, and those around him always appreciated his sense of humor.  He was a longtime member of American Legion Post 92.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and two sisters, Janis Kaump and Marcia Hensley.

Gary is survived by his former wife, Rita; son Jim (Jana) Southwick of Byron, MN; daughter, Jill Roberts of Rochester, MN; and grandchildren Matt, Meghann, Zach, Mariah, and John.

The funeral service will be Thursday, January 7 at Macken Funeral Home at 11:00AM, with Pastor Bruce Buller officiating. Friends may call one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.  Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery at a later date.  Memorials are suggested to the family.