1963
Gary
2023
Gary Francis Grell
February 2, 1963 — July 7, 2023
Keewatin
Gary Francis Grell, 60, of Keewatin, MN, passed away at his home on July 7, 2023.
He was born in Grand Rapids, MN, to Merlyn and Jeanette (Baratto) Grell.
Gary attended Nashwauk-Keewatin High School where he met many of his life-
long friends. After high school, Gary spent time working on both coasts of our
country. He spent a year in California working with his Uncle Lowell Winter and
cousin Dirk Winter in their construction business. Following that experience, Gary
headed back east, landing in central Florida where he worked for 11-years as a
glass installer on many major building projects. He returned home to northern
Minnesota to help with his family as dad’s health faltered. In Minnesota he
worked in metal fabrication, pipeline construction and relining kilns in the mines.
When he wasn’t working, Gary loved off-roading, and “wrenching” on his Jeeps.
He made many trips to his favorite place, Moab, Utah for great off-roading and
beautiful scenery. He loved spending time at the deer camp and enjoying the
forests and lakes of northern Minnesota. Wherever he went, his faithful canine
companion Rocky, and later Dudley, were always by his side. Gary loved spending
time with family and was a huge help to his mother Jeanette. He and mom spent
the past few winters in Lake Havasu, Arizona, where he enjoyed exploring and off-
roading in the desert. We are grateful that Gary’s last week with us was spent
with family and catching up with old friends in Nashwauk on the Fourth of July, an
annual tradition that he came back for year after year. Gary’s personality and
carefree spirit was a joy to all of us, and he will live forever in our hearts.
long friends. After high school, Gary spent time working on both coasts of our
country. He spent a year in California working with his Uncle Lowell Winter and
cousin Dirk Winter in their construction business. Following that experience, Gary
headed back east, landing in central Florida where he worked for 11-years as a
glass installer on many major building projects. He returned home to northern
Minnesota to help with his family as dad’s health faltered. In Minnesota he
worked in metal fabrication, pipeline construction and relining kilns in the mines.
When he wasn’t working, Gary loved off-roading, and “wrenching” on his Jeeps.
He made many trips to his favorite place, Moab, Utah for great off-roading and
beautiful scenery. He loved spending time at the deer camp and enjoying the
forests and lakes of northern Minnesota. Wherever he went, his faithful canine
companion Rocky, and later Dudley, were always by his side. Gary loved spending
time with family and was a huge help to his mother Jeanette. He and mom spent
the past few winters in Lake Havasu, Arizona, where he enjoyed exploring and off-
roading in the desert. We are grateful that Gary’s last week with us was spent
with family and catching up with old friends in Nashwauk on the Fourth of July, an
annual tradition that he came back for year after year. Gary’s personality and
carefree spirit was a joy to all of us, and he will live forever in our hearts.
Gary is survived by his loving mother, Jeanette, siblings; Greg (Juliana) Grell and Gerri Marie (Pat Hocking) Grell, nephews; Lucas and Johnathon Grell, uncle John and aunt Cathie Baratto, cousin, Anastasia Baratto and many close cousins, other relatives and dear friends. He is preceded in death by his father, Merlyn Grell, his grandparents, aunt Maxine and uncle Lowell Winter and uncle Tony Baratto.
There will be a graveside service held at the Nashwauk Cemetery on Friday, August 4th, 2023 at 11:00AM. Deacon Richard Johnston will officiate. There will be a reception at St. Cecilia's Church in Nashwauk following the graveside.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gary Francis Grell, please visit our flower store.
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