Gary Dwight Garrels

Gary D. Garrels, age 71 of Tracy, passed away on Friday, April 17, 2015 at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Services will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, April 22, 2015 at the Tracy Alliance Church in Tracy. Visitation will be from 5 – 8 pm on Tuesday at the Almlie – Horvath Funeral Home in Tracy with a prayer service at 7:30 pm. Visitation will continue on Wednesday one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in the Tracy City Cemetery. Online condolences may be placed at www.almliefh.com. The Almlie – Horvath Funeral Service is caring for the family. Gary D. Garrels was born on March 15, 1944 in Granite Falls, MN to Bert and Hilma Garrels. The family moved to Balaton, MN when Gary was a young boy. He graduated from Balaton High School. Gary started working when he was a teenager, holding various jobs. Gary was united in marriage to Nancy Clark on June 18, 1965 at the Christian Missionary Alliance Church in Tracy, MN. They were blessed with two daughters, Sherri and Amy. Gary and Nancy made their home in Tracy where Gary was Plant Foreman at Homera Homes for 17 years, and in 1989, Gary accepted a position with the City of Tracy Street Maintenance Department and was the Building Inspector for a total of 22 years. Gary was an active member of the Tracy Alliance Church and served as an Elder for many years and was instrumental in the building of the new church. Gary loved motorcycles, working on cars, or anything with a motor. He loved to camp, but mostly enjoyed spending time with his girls, especially the love of his life, Nancy. Gary had Type 1 diabetes for 66 years and passed away surrounded by his family on Friday, April 17, 2015 at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, South Dakota at the age of 71 years old. Gary is survived by his loving wife, Nancy; daughters Sherri Bjorklund and Amy (Gary) Bruns; grandchildren Tyler Bjorklund, Shauna Bjorklund, Tanner Bruns and Jenna Bruns; siblings Ronnie (Dee) Garrels, Tamie Hoff (Verlyn), and Bruce (DeeDee) Garrels; and other extended family. His parents Bert and Hilma Garrels preceded him in death. Blessed be his memory.