Gary Reiten

Gary Orville Reiten, 61, of Hackensack, Minnesota passed away unexpectedly Monday, January 10, 2011 on a nature trail at Deep Portage Conservation Reserve near Hackensack.Gary was born May 10, 1949 in Fosston, Minnesota to Orville Glen and Clara Henrietta (Rud) Reiten. Gary graduated from Fosston High School in 1967. He then attended Moorhead State until joining the U.S. Army in 1969. His duties took him to various stations including one year in Vietnam. On July 31, 1971 he married Lynn LaVoi in Fosston and they moved to the twin cities where Gary completed his military duties. They then moved to Bemidji, Minnesota and Gary finished his degree at Bemidji State, graduating Cum Laude. In 1974 they moved to Portage Lake and he began teaching Junior High Science, and coached wrestling at Walker. After 5 years of teaching Gary decided to pursue his Masters Degree in Geology which prompted a move to Duluth where he attended UMD. After completing his degree they moved back to their home on Portage Lake and he continued teaching part time. He also worked at Reeds Sporting Goods in Walker, in the shipping department, a job he held until June of 2003. Since then Gary has become the "neighborhood handyman", and was quick to tell everyone that he "worked for Lynn". He enjoyed spending time in the woods, and anything outdoors, especially fly fishing, hunting, and camping. Woodworking or working on his "latest project" in his heated shop was also a favorite way he spent his time. Gary loved helping people and will be remembered for his dry sense of humor, and his predictability. Without fail he went on a daily walk at 8:45 in the evening in spite of any weather. He was generous with his time in helping others, but was always frugal with his resources. He valued time that he could spend teaching kids and was a firearm safety instructor and a counselor at Camp Fish. Gary's family was very important to him, especially sitting around the campfire and spending time with his grandchildren. He lived his life with a quiet faith, and has left a legacy of memories for his family, and community.Gary was a member of Hope Lutheran Church, the Fosston American Legion, a lifetime member of the Northstar Sportsmans Club, and president of the Portage Lake Association.Gary is survived by his wife Lynn of Hackensack, son Brian Orville (Lynda) Reiten and their children, Morgyn, Brenna, Samuel Orville and Gunnar of Brainerd, Minnesota, daughter; Sarah (Neil) Kotzer and their children Hayli and Kael of St. Cloud, Minnesota, sister, Amy (Paul) Bugge of Duluth, MN., brother-in-law, Steve (Cara) LaVoi of Fosston, MN, two nephews; Matt and Nate LaVoi , aunts, uncles, many cousins and friends.He was preceded in death by his parents.A Memorial service will be held Saturday, January 15, 2011 at 11:00 A.M. at Hope Lutheran Church in Walker with Pastor Mark Olson officiating. Military Honors following the service will be provided by the Minnesota Army National Guard Funeral Honors Team. A gathering for family and friends will be one hour prior to the service, and also Friday evening, January 14 from 5-7 P.M., at Hope Lutheran. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Deep Portage, the Northstar Sportsmans Club and Hope Lutheran Church. The Dennis Funeral Home of Walker assisted the family in making service arrangements. Share on-line condolences at www.dennisfuneralhome.com