Gary Fred Mohlenkamp 79, of Green Valley, AZ passed away Thursday, June 27, 2024 at his home surrounded by family.

A Celebration of Life gathering is being planned for later this fall in Green Valley.

Gary was born on March 5th, 1945  in Windom, MN to Fred and Martha (Kirkman) Mohlenkamp. In 1963 he graduated from Windom High School. He attended Mankato State University, graduating in 1967 with a BS in Business Administration and Economics.

On July 1st, 1966 he married Gail Buhler at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Windom. They had 58 happy years together.

Gary began his career in Kansas City, MO at The Hartford Insurance Co. as an auditor before moving to the Quad Cities area to work for John Deere Insurance Co. in Moline, IL. There, he worked in administration and later in sales. He remained with John Deere (later Sentry Insurance) until his retirement in 2003.

Gary had many interests and was an avid fisherman, hunter, golfer and poker player. For 42 years he and Gail lived in lake homes. First, at Fyre Lake in Sherrard, IL where they raised their three children. Then, at Pelican Lake in Pelican Rapids, MN, and lastly at Big Sugar Bush Lake in Ogema, MN.  He loved to take his grandchildren fishing out on the boat along with his best friend, a golden lab named Mo.  Another favorite pastime was playing cards with family and friends. Many hours were spent laughing and joking with his loved ones during the many rounds of games.

Gary belonged to the North Dakota Dusters Shriners chapter in Mandan ND. He took great care of his '29 Ford Roadster while he was a member there.

The past four years Gary and Gail lived full time in Green Valley, AZ where he looked forward to his weekly poker games and numerous rounds of golf in his golf leagues. He had many good friends wherever he lived and always enjoyed hosting and grilling for a group no matter the weather.

Gary also volunteered for the Country Fair White Elephant service organization and was a member of Desert Hill Lutheran Church.

Gary is survived by his wife Gail; children: Laura (Rodney) Anderson of Coralville, IA; Susan Sherman of Lakeway, TX; Jedd (Yen) Mohlenkamp of Lakeland, FL; grandchildren: Lindsay, Grace and Grant Anderson; Ashley and Audrey Sherman; Kian, Conner, Kenny, Kaia, and Charlotte Mohlenkamp; sister Doris Edwards of Coon Rapids MN; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Fred and Martha.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or Desert Hills Lutheran Church Foundation Fund.