Gary Wayne Newman, 82 of Aitkin died Thursday, November 25, 2021 at Riverwood Health Care Center in Aitkin. He was born July 26, 1939 in Cokato to Wayne Maurice and Eva Christine (Lahr) Newman. He attended St. Paul Central High School. Gary was united in marriage to Mary-Jo Finch on June 14, 1958 at St. Louis Catholic Church in St. Paul. In 1969 he joined the Insulators Union Asbestos Workers Local #34. He retired in 1998 and moved to their cabin on Long Lake near Glen. In 2004 Mary -Jo joined him after selling their home in the Twin Cities. Gary was a member of A.A., having 45 years of sobriety beginning April 1, 1976. He would often help with A.A. classes at the Aitkin County Jail. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, and loved all animals. Gary was a member of Country Road Classics, Chevy’s Best, MN. Street Rods Association (Snuffy #3211), and St. James Catholic Church where he loved to usher and he donated his time and knowledge to help build the new church building. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Dale, grandson Christopher, and brother-in-law John McDonald.
Gary is survived by his wife Mary–Jo Newman;
5 Children: Gregory (Dodie) Newman, Daniel (Felise) Newman, Mark (Barb) Newman, Deborah Newman, and Christopher (Breanna) Newman;
16 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren;
3 sisters: Judy (Jim) Splett, Jeanie (Tom) McKenney, June McDonald;
His cats: Loser, Sammy, and Weepers;
And many other special relatives and friends.
Funeral service will be 11am – Thursday, December 2, 2021 at Saint James Catholic Church in Aitkin. Father David Forsman will officiate. Burial will be in Saint Thomas Cemetery. Visitation will be 4 to 8pm – Wednesday at Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home in Aitkin and will continue 1 hour prior to the service at the church. Please go to www.srtfuneral.com to leave a message of condolence.
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