Gary Lynn Rognrud

Gary Lynn Rognrud, 83 of Palisade, MN, passed away on Tuesday, January 10, 2023. Gary was born March 4, 1939 in Minneapolis to Gordon and Evelyn (Bredsten) Rognrud and grew up in Columbia Heights. Gary served in the US Navy after High School, then made his living as “Gary from the Dairy” selling products for Fairmont Foods, Dairy Fresh and Land O’Lakes. He officiated basketball, football, and baseball for twenty plus years. After retiring in 2000, he and Diane left Fridley and moved to the cabin where he worked part-time for Willey’s Marine and Fireplace Lifestyles. During winter, time was spent enjoying life and golfing in Scottsdale, Arizona for many years. In the summer, Gary could be found with customers, family, and friends in the remote lakes of Ontario, Canada where he enjoyed a record 88 fly-in fishing trips with Rusty Myers Flying Service.  He made sure to take each grandson with him on at least one trip. Gary loved interacting with people, and no one was a stranger for long. He had the ability to connect using humor and his gift for telling stories. He was also an avid hunter and outdoorsman.

Gary is preceded in death by parents, Gordon and Evelyn Rognrud; sibling, Anita (Bud) Shandorf and beloved grandson, Mitchell Rognrud.

Gary is survived by his wife of 41 years, Diane Rognrud; and sister Sandi (Bill) Dumke. He is also survived by children Guy, Troy and Jane Rognrud and Rebecca (David) Morrisette; grandchildren, James (Carly) Parker, Jasmine Rognrud, Emily (Joe) Rognrud, Travis (Alicia) Rognrud, Angel Parker, Samuel, Luke and Benjamin Morrisette, Athena (Mario) Liveri; great grandchildren, Adalyn, Breleigh, Stryker, Braxton, Kyler; many nieces, nephews, and friends. Celebration of Life to be held Sunday, January 22, 2023, at 2 PM at Amazing Grace Christian Church, 99 S. First Street, McGregor, MN 55760. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service followed by light refreshments. In lieu of flowers, please visit www.riverwoodhealthcare.org & select “give now” to donate in memory of Gary or send a donation to the McGregor Fire Department, P.O. Box 100, McGregor, MN 55760 in Gary’s honor.  To sign the guestbook online, go to:  www.srtfuneral.com.  Arrangements are with McGregor Funeral Home and Cremation Service, McGregor. 

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