Gary J. Stuart, age 74, of Big Lake, died peacefully at his home on Saturday, April 15, 2023.

Mass of Christian Burial was held 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 20, 2023 at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Maple Lake with Fr. Kevin Magner as the Celebrant. Visitation was held from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday and 9-10 a.m. on Thursday, both at Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel in Maple Lake. A prayer service was held at 4:15 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral chapel. Burial took place 9:00 a.m. on Friday, April 21, 2023 at the Minnesota State Veteran’s Cemetery near Little Falls.

Gary James Stuart was born Nov. 16, 1948 in St. Cloud to Harley and Isabella (Lewandoski) Stuart. He grew up in St. Cloud, graduating from St. Cloud Cathedral High School. Gary served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam war. He worked as a tower technician for the State of Minnesota for 45 years, retiring in 2016. After dating for 30 years, Gary was united in marriage to Teresa Donnay Mertens on February 26, 2022 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Pearl Lake. Gary was a long-time member of St. Timothy Catholic Church in Maple Lake, the American Legion Post 147 in Big Lake, and a lifetime member of the DAV #39 in Anoka and the VFW in Colorado. He enjoyed classic cars, baseball, rubber duckies, Hawaiian shirts, music, golfing, skiing, and tinkering. He will be remembered for kindness, generosity, and the lives he touched.

Gary is survived by his wife, Teresa of Big Lake; son, Greg Stuart of Orrock; daughter, Gina Nowicki (Ben Beumer) of Santiago; step-children, Nichol (John) Mertens-Maxson of Blaine, Andrea Dragan of Bemidji, and Nathan (Alyssa) Mertens of Kimball; grandchildren, Kassidy and Kody Nowicki; great-grandson, Hudson Miller; nine step-grandchildren; two brothers; one sister; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harley and Isabella Stuart; and ex-wife, Linda Stocker.

Arrangements are entrusted with Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Maple Lake.

Obituary, Guestbook, Tribute Video, and Funeral Webcast online at www.dingmannfuneral.com.