Gary Gene VanGrinsven, age 74, passed away peacefully, leaving behind memories of a life marked by gentleness, simplicity, and quiet strength.

Born in Princeton, Minnesota, Gary grew up and attended school in Onamia. He was one of eight children born to Carl and Shirley (Strelow) VanGrinsven. Gary carried the values of his upbringing throughout his life—kindness, patience, and a deep appreciation for the simple things.

A mellow and peaceful soul, Gary found joy in the everyday, especially when tinkering in his sheds. Known for his natural talent with tools and machines, he could fix just about anything, always with calm determination.  Gary was a factory worker at Talbot Wire in Neosho, Missouri, devoting over forty years of hard work to the company, until his well-deserved retirement in 2017.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Eva VanGrinsven, and their son, Michael VanGrinsven. He later found love again and is survived by his second wife, Lois VanGrinsven. He is also survived by his step-son Brian Ruark and his wife, Cindee, of Galena, Kansas; three grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and his seven siblings; Mary Vermillion, Steve VanGrinsven and wife Connie, Jim VanGrinsven and Robyn, Shirley Fly and Calvin, Cheryl Holvenstot, and Russel, Judy VanGrinsven, Paul VanGrinsven and Ronda, and several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date.