Gregory John Kari

He was born May 22, 1948, in Duluth, to Ahti and Lorrain (Stauber) Kari. He was a graduate of Proctor High School, class of ’67 and resided in Proctor until 1984 when he moved to Tucson.

During his early life, Greg enjoyed snowmobiles, flying, hunting and fishing trips to Canada. Later in life he spent weekends on Lake Powell in Arizona, cruising on his motorcycle and camping. His most memorable vacations were those to Sturgis with his brother Richard (Dick) and sister-in-law, Cordelia (Cookie) Kari of Proctor. He enjoyed several motorcycle rides to Tombstone, Arizona, Bryce Canyon in Utah, Las Vegas, Nevada and a group ride to New Mexico with his wife Lydia.

He was a man of many trades and an entrepreneur, having owned several successful businesses from a well-pump service to shoe repair shops. He worked construction for many years in various capacities including large machine operator and foreman. Most recently he worked as a large equipment tester at Arizona Proving Grounds trying to “break” machinery.

He was a lifetime member of the Moose Lodge (Thunder Mtn AZ #2475) and a member of the American Legion (AZ Post #0100).

Greg is survived by his wife of 9 years, Lydia Duron-Kari; his daughter, Shelly (Craig) Vanneste from Proctor, MN; his son John (Mary) Kari from Kona, HI and his step-children, Leana (Wesley) Smith, Maria Hilling and Joshua Hilling of Las Vegas, NV; his beloved grandchildren, Myah & Jacob Kari and Lily Ann & Emma Jo Vanneste.

As per his wishes a memorial service will not be held, but a Celebration of Life is being planned this summer for close friends and family in Minnesota. Donations in honor of Greg can be made to the American Heart Association.