Gary Gene Bremer

Gary Bremer, 86, passed away Tuesday, February 10, surrounded by his loving family at his home in rural Lake City.

Gary Gene Bremer was born in Lake City, MN on April 28, 1939, to Edwin and Mabel (Zimmermann) Bremer. Gary attended rural elementary school, St John's Lutheran School, and Lake City High School, Class of 1957. After graduation, Gary went to Fort Riley, Kansas for United States Army basic training. He was active in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1958 to 1964. In his early twenties, Gary's mother passed away, and he worked as a laborer/carpenter while he continued to run the family farm. Gary enjoyed barrel riding with his horse 'Trigger' in his younger days and was part of a saddle club. He learned to play the accordion and enjoyed dancing to polka music. A couple of his most cherished memories were taking his grand champion hog to the MN State Fair and restoring a Farmall Super H tractor later in life.

On September 12, 1964, Gary married Diane Moyer at First Lutheran Church in Lake City, MN. The couple farmed, started a family, and began their life together in Mount Pleasant Township, where they raised four children. Diane passed away from cancer in January 1985. Gary continued to farm and raise their children with help from friends and family. Later in life, Gary met special friend and companion of 25 years, Jane Busch. They traveled together and enjoyed each other's company until Jane passed away in October 2020.

Gary was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church of Lake City. He served on the Mount Pleasant Township Board for 25 years, where he held various roles. He was also a member of the American Legion Post #110, and the Lake City Sportsman's Club. Gary farmed all of his life: dairy, beef steers, hogs, and crops. Gary took great pride in farming and was always willing to help a neighbor. Later in life, he never thought of himself as retired and often commented, "farmers don't retire, they just slow down". He did find time to enjoy the simple pleasures in life whether reading the newspaper, playing cards with friends, bowling, or watching a ball game. He loved his MN sports, whether it was high school, college, or pro. You could always find him watching or listening to a game on the radio, especially cheering on his granddaughter for MN State Univ.-Mankato-he was her biggest fan. Gary bowled for many years, and after he couldn't anymore, he enjoyed it through his sons and grandsons. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren, and all of their accomplishments. As a single parent and farmer, he did his best to make it to their ball games and activities. He will always be remembered as a friendly face, someone to laugh with, and be around. He was loved and will be missed by many.

Gary is survived by his four children: Steven (Michelle) of Lake City, Jeffrey (Michelle) of Lake City, Jolene (Scott) Huinker of Stewartville, and Deanne (Corey) Schnell of Plainview. Grandchildren: Andrew, Zachery, Natalie, Travis (Becky), Jordan (Brooke), and Easton Bremer. Step-grandchildren: Jackie (Justin) Lebahn, Jordenne, and Jessica Huinker. Great grandchildren: Adeline, Josephine, Lainey, Quinton, and Ella. Step-great grandchildren: Ziah and Kane. Sister, Marlys Gerken of Lake City.

Gary is preceded in death by his wife, Diane; special friend, Jane Busch; parents, Edwin & Mabel; brother, Dennis Bremer; sister-in-law, Shirley Bremer; brother-in-law, Harvey Gerken; nephew, Gene Gerken; in-laws, Roscoe & Clara Moyer; brother-in-law, Dennis Moyer.

Visitation is from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, February 15 at Mahn Family Funeral Home in Lake City, MN. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, February 16, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Lake City, MN with Pastor Robb Robbert officiating with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial is at St. John's Lutheran Cemetery after the service.