Gary L. Jones

Gary LeRoy Jones, 66, of Red Wing, died Saturday, July 25, 2009, at his home after a short battle with cancer. He was born on June 5, 1943, in Mankato, Minnesota to Donald and VaLaine (Hanson) Jones. He grew up on the family farm and graduated in 1961 from Lake Crystal High School. On June 22, 1963, he married Carole Riess in New Ulm, Minnesota. They lived near Mankato where he worked for Kraft Foods in New Ulm, 7-up Bottling Company in Mankato and then for Taystee Bread for over 20 years until the early 1990's. They moved to Red Wing in December of 1970. After working for Taystee Bread he worked at Dayco and then DBI/Capital Safety up until the time of his death. He was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church and over the years belonged to a number of wildlife leagues. Gary loved his wife, children and his family. He adored and was adored by his five granddaughters who will miss their "papa." The outdoors was his home and the Mississippi River his backyard. He was an avid and accomplished walleye fisherman and deer hunter. He was a Twins, Vikings, Wild and Gopher sports fan. Gary enjoyed life and had fun.

Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Carole; three children, Laurie (Eileen Rice) Jones of Minnetonka, Tracy (Felix) Deneau of Clermont, FL and Todd Jones of Red Wing; five grandchildren, Emma, McKenzie and Taylor Deneau and Rylie and Hailee Jones; his mother, VaLaine Larson of Red Wing; one sister, Sandy Jones of Atlanta and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Donald and step-father, Dean "Jiggs" Larson.

Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 29, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church with Rev. Kristen Schlauderaff officiating. Burial will be at a later date. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 28, at the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel and at the church for one hour prior to the service.