Gary Steven Reyzer

Gary grew up on a dairy farm in Curtiss, Wisconsin. Besides farming, he hunted with Grandpa. He went to trade school for welding and worked at Pathfinder in Spencer, Wisconsin welding frames for mobile homes.

Gary had a passion for cars – the faster, the better. In 1968, Gary lost control of his car and sustained a spinal cord injury of severe whiplash and an incomplete break at the C5-C6. After recovering in the hospital and spending long days at home, he moved to the Twin Cities area to continue rehab at Sister Kenny Institute. While there, he was able to regain driving skills using hand controls. He purchased a 1967 Ford Fairlane, two-door with a 390 and of course a hood scoop. The paint job was candy apple red with a vinyl black roof and black interior. He had that car when he met Ellen through a mutual friend in 1973.They got married in 1974 and started that new chapter of their lives in Brooklyn Center.

Gary was employed in a sheltered workshop counting coupons and later supervising others as they packed nuts and bolts. He quickly tired of that job. After moving to Blaine, Gary started managing the Coon Rapids Drive In. He also delivered the Anoka County Shopper with the help of a good friend.

After the drive in was closed, he continued with the paper delivery. He also began helping a friend who owned a lawn equipment business and became interested in mowing and selling. He decided he liked mowing better than selling and started his own business of Gary Reyzer’s Lawn Service. He mowed lawns for churches, (including Hope Church), town homes, and residential. The same friend who helped deliver papers continued to help mow lawns. Our son Matt started mowing for Dad at the age of10. He learned to back a trailer early in life. Our daughter Sarah started mowing around the age of 9 when Matt moved onto other jobs and schooling. Gary took on another job mowing a cemetery. Sarah was not thrilled with that job or getting up early during the summer months.

Eventually, Gary did retire from mowing and turned his attention to lawn tractors and small motors. He also was always looking for a good deal on something he could fix and make money. Over the years, he had an assortment of lawn tractors and mowers. He never lost his interest in cars either.

As time progressed, he had to slow down which was difficult. Health issues created new adventures, but he never gave up, until this last one. His body could not fight off the infection.

He enjoyed life. He was an avid trap shooter when his dexterity allowed him. He usually hit all 25 of 25 or at least 22 or 23 of the 25 clays. He enjoyed hunting with Capable Partners. He loved fishing but holding onto a pole got to be frustrating. He loved being outdoors.

He loved his family. The kids, their spouses, the grandkids, and the dogs were all an important part of his life. He loved Ellen. They were married for over 47 years. They learned the meaning of teamwork, acceptance, and forgiveness. They enjoyed taking day trips, tractor shows, and eating out. He loved his church family and the Lord.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents Joe and Edna Reyzer. He is survived by his wife Ellen Reyzer, son Matt Reyzer and wife Angie, daughter Sarah McQuiston and husband Scott, and grandchildren Jackson, Peyton, and Lauren. He is also survived by his siblings Joe Reyzer, Jeff Reyzer and wife Pat, Darlene Kunze and husband Jim, and Rick Reyzer and several cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends.

On January 31, Gary got a new body. A body free from pain and sickness. He is standing tall, all six feet four inches of him, and walking with the saints in heaven. We miss him so much but with the hope we have in Jesus Christ, we will see him again someday. Praise God!