Gary E. Dietzler
February 17, 1943 ~ April 26, 2024
Born in:
Milnor, North Dakota
Resided in:
Fergus Falls, formerly NW Angle, Minnesota
Gary’s service will be livestreamed below at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, May 8th, 2024:
Gary “Grumpy” Edwin Dietzler, born February 17, 1943, in Milnor, North Dakota, passed away April 26, 2024, at 81, in Fargo. Gary led a vibrant life, starting with working in his father’s grocery store, then transitioning to custom combine operations in Kansas and firefighting in Idaho, all before graduating from Milnor High School in 1962.
In 1964, he enlisted in the Army. Assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, 121st Signal Battalion, Gary found himself in the jungles of Vietnam, serving as a radio operator with clearance to communicate classified information. It was there he also showcased his entrepreneurial spirit, building a bar for fellow troops, which became so successful that it was officially seized and run by the Army. His service in Vietnam afforded him the means to purchase a 1966 blue Mustang upon his return stateside.
Post-military, Gary pursued higher education, graduating from Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM) with a degree in Industrial Art Education. Before his teaching career, he gained experience working for Bobcat. His teaching journey began in Melrose, MN, where he met his future wife, Sheryl Zimmerman, in 1970. They exchanged vows in Ulen, MN, on June 17, 1972; they would be celebrating their 52nd anniversary this June.
Their journey took them to various locations, from Buffalo, MN, where Gary taught at a vocational high school, to East Glacier Park, Montana, where they taught on the Blackfoot Reservation. Returning to Minnesota, Gary became a skilled building contractor, showcasing his craftsmanship in furniture, cabinetry, and even constructing their first home—a geodesic dome on South Turtle Lake, echoing the lakeside memories of his upbringing. He was an active fisherman, deer and fowl hunter, excellent water-skier, and obtained his private pilot’s license and instructor’s license.
In 1979, Gary and Sheryl ventured to the remote Northwest Angle in Minnesota, where they co-owned a fishing resort, sod airstrip, marina, lodge, and cabins. This was also the year they adopted their daughter, Amy. Over the years, their business expanded to include Grumpy’s Bar and Grill, and they became sole owners of Northwest Angle Resort. Gary was a key player in a publicity stunt to secede from the United States to gain support for equal access to fishing limits for guests staying at American resorts on Lake of the Woods.
Retirement in 2005 saw them living at the Angle and in 2016 relocating to Long Lake, Fergus Falls, MN, to be closer to family, spending winters in Parker, Arizona, where they spent time with their “snowbird friends.” Summers were spent teaching his grandson, Brody, and friends how to waterski and fall was spent cheering on Brody’s high school football and hockey games.
Gary is survived by his wife, Sheryl; daughter, Amy (Wayne) Herrick; grandson, Brody, and bonus grandson, Sibomana Enock; along with his sisters, Shirley Hasbargen, Sharon Ordahl, and Helen Mairs. He is preceded in death by his father, Clarence; and mother, Georgia (Gary) Dietzler.
Gary leaves behind a legacy of memories that will not be forgotten of a life well-lived.
Services
Visitation - Wednesday: May 8, 2024 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
701-237-6441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
Memorial Service - Wednesday: May 8, 2024 7:00 pm
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
701-237-6441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
We’re so sorry to lose Gary. His attitude and wry sense of humor brought us so many smiles and great memories. We loved his stories!! He was always so friendly when we would meet up on our walks. Sending our sympathy, thoughts and prayers. May you be surrounded by family and friends and may your memories and your faith bring you comfort and peace.
Mark, Lorrie and Maverick
Best boss I ever had….so many stories
Sorry for your loss. I remember the great times at the Angle. My dad and I were always the last for breakfast at the main lodge when we stayed in Apartment 9. I would always ask for bacon and eggs – Bacon wasnt on the menue with Gary cooking! (He did surprise me once!)
Thank you Gary – you are forever in my memories
Sherry and Amy so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. Your family was so helpful when dad was lost in the woods. Jan and Wayne OHara
Cheryl and Amy, my deep condolences to you and your family. I am praying God will give you His comfort and peace in this difficult time and the days beyond. 🙏 ❤️🙏
Dear Sherry and Amy – so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. Jack, Jim and myself had a lot of great times with Gary. The year that Bob RC and Gary finally won the fishing contest, he accused us of letting the air of our suburban’s tires so that we could slink by the resort in the morning on the way home.
Prayers are with you, Jim Merickel
Sheryl n Amy, We are so sorry for the loss of Gary. We had good times together n do miss “grumpy” already. Eric enjoyed riding motorcycle with him n I enjoyed the boat rides as we did both of you n your friendship.
May God be with you at this difficult time.
Wonderful man…enjoyed spending time with him…one of a kind…He had a heart of gold…
Sheryl and Amy. Thinking of you at this difficult time. Thank you for the many memories and laughs while we were with you and Gary. You always went above and beyond in looking after our needs. Surely hoping some of the pleasant memories help give you some relief at this time.
Sherl and Amy, Gary was a great neighbor. Always willing to help on our projects. His knowledge and skills were awesome. We always shut down at 5 for happy hour. Prayers and Love,
Doug and Arlene
Much love to you all,
Nancy Leier
My fondest memory of Gary is when we were in the 1st grade. The teacher, I don’t remember her name had us stand in front of the classroom and perform individually. Gary came to the front of the class and squatted and began to sing out:
Little Tommy tinker
sat on a clinker
and he began to cry
mama mama
what a poor boy am I
Godspeed my friend.
Thanks for your service.
RIP.
Dear Sherry and Amy – so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. Jan and I will miss him. We go back to 1979 when Gary had us two in the little room , next to the laundry, for our first encounter with the Angle. I loved his sense of humor, and he had a comeback for everything. Deepest sympathies.
Laurel and Dawn Godel
Sheryl, remember you two in Melrose. Fun times! Also the times we would stop and check on the progress of the geodesic dome. And of course the duck hunting at the Angle. Gary was one of a kind. Fun person, great humor, and overall one “hell of a good man”. Our prayers and condolences. Daryl & Judi Hendrickson.
I went to school with Gary 1 – 12 grade. I am so sorry for your loss. I too, remember what Arlan said about first grade. There are so many memories of those years with Gary.
Prayers
Gail McCleery
My sympathies to the family. We so enjoyed having Grumpy (and Sheryl) as neighbors at Long Lake. Loved our conversations and the banter between him and Kevyn. Such great memories!!
Condolences to your family on the loss of Gary. He didn’t let any grass grow under his feet by reading his memorial. Gary was a fun person in school and could really play those drums in the high school band. When he came to school I could always smell celery on him from him working in his grocery store. May Gary rest in peace.