Gary was born on June 27, 1959, in Duluth, Minnesota to Robert and Barbara Koivisto. He married Karla Wade on September 16, 1989. They have two children, Jacob Lee and Kylee Jean. Gary has been employed at Furst McNess for 15 years, where he supervised the loading dock.
He was also the assistant chief of the Galva Fire Department, a member of the Galva United Methodist Church, and a member of Galva’s chapter of the Sons of the American Legion. In his spare time, Gary enjoyed fishing, camping, pheasant hunting, participating in barbecue cook-offs, and anything outdoors.
He loved to spend time with his family and friends and was the biggest fan of his son, the lead guitarist of the Jacob Lee Band. Some of Gary’s fondest childhood memories were spending time with his grandparents, Oscar and Lillian Hagberg, in the woods of Jacobson, MN.
He is survived by his wife, Karla; a son, Jake and special friend, Liz of Overland Park, KS; a daughter, Kylee, who is currently a nursing student at the Colege of St. Scholastica in Duluth, MN; father, Robert (Donna) Koivisto; mother, Barbara (Mike) Slaviero; sister, Tammy (Richie) Townsend; brother, Mike (Mara) Koivisto; sister, Cindy (Terry) Terwey; brother, Danny (Amy) Koivisto; brother, Mark (Shawn) Koivisto; sister, Tara (Cory) Niemei; mother and father-in-law, Delores and Doug Howard; sisters-in-law, Wanda (Milo) Schiernbeck and Jonna Wade; brother-in-law, Pat Wade; and many wonderful nieces and nephews, as well as his lifelong friends from Duluth.
He will be sadly missed by all.
Gary A. Koivisto, age 53, of Galva, passed away on Friday, November 30, 2012 at his residence of Galva. The family will be hosting a celebration in honor of Gary’s life from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Monday, December 03, 2012 at the Galva Fire Station.