Gary passed away Thursday, June 20, 2024, at Good Samaritan Society in Windom, Minn. Lakeview Funeral Home in Fairmont is assisting the family with arrangements.

Gary Allen Thate was born July 24, 1946, to Donald and Myrtle (Steuber) Thate in Fairmont, Minn. He was baptized and later confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Fairmont. Gary graduated from Fairmont High School in 1964. In 1965, Gary began serving in the U.S. Navy where he was on the coastal mine sweeper, USS Vireo, and served in Japan, Philippines, Vietnam and San Diego, Calif. until being honorably discharged in 1969. Gary was very proud to be a veteran. Once returning from the Navy, he started employment with Central Telephone Company, which is now Frontier.

On Feb. 21, 1970, Gary was united in marriage to Linda Frye in Winnebago, Minn. To this union they were blessed with their son, Jason. After their marriage, Gary and Linda made their home in Fairmont. Later in life, Gary and Linda wintered in Oro Valley, Ariz., where Gary loved biking and hiking the Catalina Mountains. He enjoyed visiting with his uncle Bill. Gary will be remembered as a very kind, gentle man. His granddaughter, Sky, had the largest part of his heart.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Linda Thate of Fairmont; son, Jason (Melissa) Thate of Pemberton; granddaughter, Skylar Thate of Pemberton; brothers, Rodger (Judy) Thate of Casper, Wyo. and Dennis (Jeanne) Thate of Fairmont; special uncle, Bill Thate; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Myrtle Thate; sister, Janet Knoph; brothers and sisters-in-law, John Knoph, Sherry and Ray Kneeland, Stanley, Larry, Dick and David Frye; and nephew, Corey Thate. www.lakeviewfuneralhome.net

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