Gary Kent Brudelie

Gary Kent Brudelie went to be with Jesus, Monday, February 10, 2025. He battled 10+ years with Parkinson's Disease. Gary was born in St. James, MN on January 12, 1947, to Otis and Juliet Brudelie. He spent his childhood days in Hanska, MN where he attended school, helped with the family farm and, later, the family restaurant, as well as playing baseball and basketball. He moved with his family to Harrisburg, IL as a teenager, where he attended and graduated from Harrisburg Township High School. He enlisted in the United States Navy after high school and served from 1965-1969 as a Radarman 2nd Class serving on the USS Borie. After goodwill tours all around the world, Gary served off the coast of Vietnam during the Vietnam War. He was always up for sharing Navy stories to anyone who would listen. He was so proud of his time serving our country. After returning home from the war, Gary attended college at Mankato State University. He met the love of his life, Barb, at an "old time dance". She, after much convincing, agreed to go out with him. A short time later, they were married on September 2, 1972, and celebrated 52 years of marriage this past fall. They had three children, Sarah, Laura, and Nathan. After a couple of office jobs, Gary began working for the United States Postal Service where he eventually retired after 20+ years. He had a love/hate relationship with the dogs on his walking route. So, to make friends, he carried dog treats to share along the way. Gary loved watching the MN Vikings and the MN Twins play ball on TV. He never ceased to be a Vikings fan, although he was usually disappointed in their season. Gary loved to sing. He sang on many occasions at church, whether part of the choir, a men's group, or solo. He was known by many to have an Elvis resemblance in his voice. One of the ways he lavished on his family was taking them on road trips. He would diligently plan, via a Rand McNally map and a highlighter, each of our destinations. He created amazing memories for his family. Gary's most favorite and treasured place to spend time was along the shores of Lake Superior. He would visit the lake every chance he had. He collected many artifacts from the area including jars of Lake Superior water, rocks, and sticks. Once, he brought home several large branches that washed up on the shore and made beautifully crafted walking sticks. No matter how many times he visited Lake Superior, the grandness and power of the lake never ceased to amaze him. Gary's faith was evident in the way he lived his life. His faith was unwavering. In good times and bad, he held steady and firm to the faith he had in Jesus. He loved to study his Bible, read all the books, and sing songs of praise to God. He wanted people to know and experience the Hope he held so dear. Dad longed to hear the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant". Gary's family, who will miss him immensely, are confident he heard those words on the day he was freed from his broken earthly body. Gary is survived by his family-wife, Barbara, daughters Sarah (Joe) Lawrence, Laura (Darren) Howieson, and son Nathan (Julie) Brudelie, and seven grandchildren-Claire and Andrew Lawrence, Sydney, Maya, and Zoey Howieson, and Samuel and Jack Brudelie. Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Otis and Juliet Brudelie, and sister Judy Diane Miller, as well as other beloved extended family members and friends. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, February 22, at 11:00 am at Faith Baptist Church, 4350 Russell Ave. N., Minneapolis, MN 55412. There will be visitation one hour prior and a light lunch following the service. A military honors ceremony will take place at 1:00 pm at the church. Memorials can be given to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research or Disabled American Veterans.

Tributes

Gary Kent Brudelie

January 12, 1947 - February 10, 2025

Tributes

Gary Kent Brudelie

January 12, 1947 - February 10, 2025

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