Gary Willis Missling

Gary Missling age 80, of Saint James, died on January 5, 2023, at Mayo Clinic Health System - St. Mary's in Rochester, Minnesota.

Visitation will be on Saturday, January 21, 2023 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at the Augustana Lutheran Church- St. James.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm.

The clergy will be Rev. Mandy France. Interment will be at the Mt. Hope Cemetery, in St. James, Minnesota at a later date.

Arrangements are with the Sturm Funeral Home in St. James, Minnesota.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

On April 13, 1942 Gary Willis was born to Willis and Ardath (Falknor) Missling in Mankato, MN.  Gary was a farm boy through and through raising sheep and rabbits near Good Thunder, MN.

He attended St. John Lutheran School in Good Thunder, MN and completed his education in Mapleton, graduating in 1960.  On May 20, 1955 he was confirmed in the Lutheran faith at St. John Lutheran Church.

He answered Uncle Sam’s call into the military on February 25, 1964.  He was stationed in Fort Lewis, Washington with the Military Police Division of the Army and was honorably discharged on February 25, 1966.

Following his release from his military obligation, he was employed by Scientific Computers in Minneapolis.  It was during this time that he met and married Diane Sandmeyer on September 18, 1971.    They lived in Brooklyn Center, MN where they started their family.

Much to his delight he was offered the opportunity to return to his first love-farming.  He left the hustle and bustle of the big city and moved his family to St. James, Minnesota where he started farming.  He not only raised four boys but also raised sheep, cattle, corn, beans and hay.  He never really retired from being part of the farming operation.

On January 5, 2023 the angels came and carried him to heaven into the arms of Jesus.

Gary is survived by his wife of 51 years, Diane; sons Brad (Jody), Eric, Matt (Michelle), and Paul (Heather) and seven grandchildren; Derek, Allyson, Katelyn, Trey, Adrianne, Branten, and Tyce.

He also leaves behind two brothers, Darwin and Larry and a sister Carol.   He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Roland and his sister, Deborah.

“Well done, good and faithful servant”

Matthew 25:23