Gary Gregus
Posted By Ballard Sunder Funeral Home On November 24, 2023 @ 12:15 pm In 2023,Obituaries | 13 Comments
Gary Gregus, 73, of Shakopee, passed away on November 20, 2023. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11am for Gary on December 5, 2023 at Pax Christi Catholic Community (12100 Pioneer Trail) in Eden Prairie. There will be a Time of Gathering for one hour prior to the service from 10-11am.
Gary Michael Gregus was born on August 4,1950, in Oak Park Illinois, to Thomas and Rosemary Gregus. The oldest of three sons, he never lost his pride in being a native Chicagoan. Family was the most important thing to him, his parents, two younger brothers, and later on his wife of 42 years, and their two sons, Jeffrey and Daniel, whom he was so proud of. Gary was a graduate of Oak Park-River Forest High School and Northern Illinois University (Degree in History).
Gary began his career as a teacher at St. Catherine of Sienna School, and continued on to Gordon Technical High School in the Chicago area. Moving to Minnesota in 1981 with his wife Victoria, he taught U.S. History, Current Social Issues and A.P. U.S. History at Shakopee High School until his retirement in 2014.
As a natural teacher, Gary was even more of a natural coach. In Chicago, he coached High School hockey and soccer, and his move to Minnesota was strongly influenced by the desire to coach hockey in the state. His hockey coaching career included boys teams in Shakopee, Burnsville and Edina. His coaching career also included training in the Soviet Union with a U.S.A. coaching group. Part of a master training team for Minnesota Hockey, he traveled the state for many years putting on coaching clinics to give back to the sport he loved so much. Gary received the Ted Brill Memorial Award from Minnesota Hockey in 2006 for his passion and leadership in the field. In 2008, Gary received the Walter Yaciuk National Award from U.S.A. Hockey for his outstanding contribution and dedication to the U.S.A. Hockey Coaching Education Program.
A new avenue of coaching opened up to him when his son, Dan, played college lacrosse. Lacrosse became his passion, and he spent the rest of his life becoming the best coach he could be. He coached girls lacrosse at Bloomington-Jefferson, Lakeville North, and Prior Lake High Schools, before moving to The Blake School as a goaltender coach. Along with working with several club sports in Minnesota, he was also a two time presenter at the National Lacrosse Convention.
Throughout his life Gary was a dedicated husband and father. His family always came first, and he made sure that their travel and life experiences were always the best possible experiences to make memories together. His greatest joys were the simple pleasures of building a campfire with his sons, or watching the sun rise on the North Shore. Gary was the ultimate dog lover, and would speak to the dogs on every walk he went on. He had a special bond with his Schnoodle, Oliver, who was a third son to him. It was always the simplest family memories that made it an amazing life.
Gary is survived by his wife, Victoria Gregus; sons, Jeffrey Gregus and Daniel Gregus; sister-in-laws, Donna Gregus and Margaret Gregus; his beloved pet Oliver; and many other loving nieces and nephews. Gary is preceded in death by his parents Thomas and Rosemary Gregus; brothers, Christopher Gregus and Jaime Gregus.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and will be distributed by the family to Gary’s favorite charities.
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In my opinion of the best teachers to ever teach in the Shakopee school district . Prayers for peace and comfort to the family , friends and all who had the privilege of knowing him
Rest in Peace Mr. Gregus. Coach, Mr. Chicago… Thank you for sharing your enthusiasm, humor, knowledge and love for hockey, family and life while putting great attention to honor. I am fortunate to have had your influence and mentorship as a young athlete, and years later a small taste of an adult friendship. My condolences to Martha and your family and friends, may God bless you and keep you.
Coach G. was one of the best coaches our daughter had in her high school lacrosse career. He was the epitome of kindness and positivity and he helped guide each member of the team to become the best version of themself. He was so open and kind to the parents, too. We will forever remember Coach G. and we wish his family peace and comfort during this painful time. Rest in peace, Coach G.
Gary, You were a dear, treasured cousin and friend. Your coaching and teaching legacy will live on but more than that your love of family, endearing smile, upbeat attitude and genuine love and caring for others was what I remember most and will sorely miss. Go in peace and shine down on us all. I am sure there was a “well done” applause as you entered heaven.
So sorry for your loss Gregus family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you on this sad journey. He left the world leaving such a wonderful trail of love and peace.
Peace to you all,
Mary and Mark Lanners
To my wonderful friend Vicki, I want to express my deepest condolences on the loss of your husband. He was an amazing teacher and he touched the lives of so many! He will be missed. Your wonderful friend and former student, Alex Bradford
I taught with Gary at Shakopee High School for many years. Gary was a great colleague as well as being a great friend. My kids adored Gary when they were in mites in youth hockey while playing in Shakopee when Gary was their coach. He was caring and fun and the kids enjoyed learning the game of hockey from him. I always enjoyed talking with Gary! A lot of our conversations revolved around family and hockey. We enjoyed giving each other a hard time and had many laughs! My condolences go out to Gary’s family. Rest in peace buddy!
Craig “Roseau” Anderson
Gary was such a a huge part of Ava’s life. Ava always looked forward to seeing Gary at practice and if she needed some guidance at a tournament, Gary was always a phone call away and would get her right back on track. Thank you so much for being a absolutely wonderful mentor to Ava. Ava and our family will truly miss you and are extremely greatful for everything. Rest in peace and know Ava will continue to do what you have taught her and trust her training! The Davis Family
Condolences to You and your Family. I remember Gary as having a genuine enthusiasm for his teaching and coaching. Thank You Gary!
Bill Farmer
Thinking of you all, and keep you in prayer!
You and your family are being held in my heart, Victoria.
Mr Gregus taught me in 1982 in Shakopee. I liked his teaching style then. I reconnected with Gary at the Dakotah gym almost 40 years later. He was a very respectful supporter of law enforcement ( I had just retired)when many others weren’t. He talked about Chicago a lot and I believe he taught my son as well. Most importantly to me was that he was always positive and friendly. I wish more people had his social skills.
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Gary was a Master coach. The kids loved him and he loved the kids. He will be missed but never forgotten . His smile and positive attitude was contagious. RIP my good buddy