Gary Dean Pasek

Gary Pasek, age 78, of rural Prior Lake, MN, passed away on August 8, 2025 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital after a brief battle with illness. A Christian Funeral will be held at 3:00 PM with Visitation from 1:00 - 3:00 PM on Thursday, August 21, 2025 at Hope Lutheran Church, 201 Hope Ave, Jordan MN. Pastor Matt Cordes will preside. A private interment will occur at a later date.

Gary was born March 24, 1947 in Northfield, MN to Frank and Helen Pasek, the third of 5 siblings. Gary was raised on a farm in rural Northfield and attended Northfield Public schools, graduating in 1965. Gary played baseball throughout his high school career and continued to play with a town ball team in New Market.

Gary joined the Air Force in February 1966, following high school. He served in Vietnam as a mechanic. He was honorably discharged in November 1969.

Later in 1969, Gary met Kristi Foss in Dundas, MN. They were married August 18, 1973 in Northfield. Kristi knew of Gary in high school, but as Gary was a year younger, they had separate friend groups.

Gary and Kristi purchased their home in rural Prior Lake in 1974, where they continue to reside. They welcomed their first child, Sara, in 1975. Their son, Bryan, was born in 1980. Gary and Kristi instilled the values of hard work, honesty, family, and humor on the family's hobby farm.

Gary began a 35+ year career with Carl Bolander & Sons construction company as a laborer upon returning from military service. He worked hard and was proud of his contributions to the company. His hard work was recognized by the company, as Gary worked his way up the construction ladder to foreman and superintendent of projects. His last project before retiring was the dirt work for the Grizzly Bear exhibit at the Minnesota Zoo.

Retirement opened up time for Gary to pursue his numerous hobbies. In the summers, he would be found in his gardens, under the hood of a car, or trying to catch "the big one ." Winters provided time for woodworking, making/repairing furniture, and a little ice fishing.

Gary found the most joy in spending time with his grandsons, Cole (17) and Ty (13). Both boys were frequent visitors to grandpa and grandma's house. Gary showed them how to garden, birdwatch, fish and enjoy being a family.

Gary will be remembered for his kind smile, a helping hand, wealth of knowledge, and his sense of humor.

Gary is survived by wife, Kristi Pasek; children, Sara Pasek, Bryan (Jen) Pasek; grandchildren, Cole and Ty 

Pasek; siblings, Sandie (Mike) Simon, Scott (Heidi) Pasek, and many other loving family members and friends.

He is preceded in death by parents, Frank and Helen Pasek; siblings, Ron and Pat.

Funeral arrangements by Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation, Jordan, MN