Gary M. Cummins

Gary Matthew Cummins, age 83 passed away Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at Living Meadows at Luther in Madelia, MN.

Gary was born September 8, 1939, to Delbert and Ella (Thielman) Cummins of Wilmot, SD. After graduation from Wilmot High School he went to South Dakota State University, then the University of Minnesota where he earned his degree in Mortuary Science. Gary married his wife of 60 years Dorie on December 1, 1962. He was a funeral director in Fulda, MN where their daughters Jennifer and Christin were born. In 1968 Gary and Dorie moved to Madelia where their daughters Sonya and Paula were born. They purchased the funeral home and later owned and operated the Madelia School Bus Service and the Madelia Napa Store.

Gary enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, golfing, coffee time, shaking dice for coffee, puzzles, cards, playing games with his family, church and Bible study.  He was a number one fan and supporter of his daughters’ activities and extended that same support to his grandchildren. In younger times, Gary was able to enjoy community involvement through volunteering as a fireman, ambulance service, City council member, member of Lions and Rotary along with professional associations. He cherished his family and loved holidays because it meant time with them.  It is fitting he passed away December 21, getting to spend a most glorious Christmas in Heaven with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Gary is survived by his loving wife, Dorie, his four daughters: Jennifer (Gene) Starke of Lester Prairie, Christin (John) Fugate of Hamburg, Sonya Cummins of Wanamingo, Paula (Doug) Svestka of Pine Island, grandchildren: Justin (Naomi) Hansen, Amari Tenoh, Todd (special friend Cailey) Johnson, Lexi (Craig) Martin, Kyle Fugate, Mitchell (fiancé Melissa) Kells, Kristy (Derek) Imsande, Cal (special friend Kiya) Svestka, great grandchildren: Marilyn and Oliver Hansen, brother Noel (Diane) Cummins, sisters-in-law: Mary Ann Smith, and Angie (Richard) Hippen, many nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Delbert and Ella Cummins, his father and mother-in-law Harold and Vivian Jarman, his sister Mary (Warner) Nibbe, his brother Neil (JoEllen) Cummins.

In lieu of flowers, a donation is preferred to charity of your choice.