Gary Speich

   Gary Speich, 75, of West Fargo, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, July 21, 2024, in University of Minnesota Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN.

   Gary Lynn Speich was born April 30, 1949 to Orval and Elinor (Olson) Speich in Breckenridge, MN and was the oldest of 4 children. He was baptized and confirmed at Milnor Lutheran Church in Milnor, ND.

   He went to grade school in Delamere and Milnor, ND, graduating from Milnor High School in 1967. He attended North Dakota State University in Fargo for one year before transferring to North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton where he completed a two-year Automotive Technology Degree in 1970. He served on the Advisory Council for Auto Mechanics at ND State School of Science in Wahpeton, ND.

   Gary started working in the summer of 1969 for Nelson Implement & Chevrolet in Milnor, ND. He spent the rest of his career (49 yrs.) working as a service technician for Ford/WW Wallwork, Valley Ford, Luther Family Ford/retiring in 2014. During his career he served as Union Steward for the local Teamsters Union. He was also active in the Red River Valley Racetrack for 28 years and worked for the Red River Valley Fair Association and Big Iron for a number of years. Following retirement Gary worked for ADESA Car Auction for 10 years and also worked for various farmers in the community.

   On May 1, 1971, he was united in marriage to Jane Breker at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Cayuga, ND . Together they raised two children—Steve and Charity. They lived in Fargo for a few years before making their permanent home in West Fargo. Gary and Jane were inseparable in their 53 years of marriage.

   As an active community member throughout his life, Gary spent time volunteering as a licensed swim team official, served as co-chairperson for his children’s post-graduation parties, drove for Furniture Mission in Fargo, and contributed in a variety of ways to his church. Gary was a member of Nativity Catholic Church, Fargo; Holy Cross Catholic Church, West Fargo; Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, West Fargo, ND.

   Gary enjoyed many things in life, including riding motorcycle, woodworking, gardening, Bison football and tinkering with any project he could get his hands on. His greatest enjoyment was his time spent as father and grandfather. His grandchildren will always have fond memories of endless pushes on the swing and support of all their events and activities. He will be remembered for being an incredible role model for his children, having a remarkable work ethic and sharing his playful sense of humor. Gary was generous with his time and talents and was the first to extend a helping hand to anyone in need. His generous spirit and good humor will be missed by all.

   He is survived by his wife Jane; son Steve (Sue Buckley)-West Fargo; daughter Charity (Mike) Zich-Chippewa Falls, WI; grandchildren Ella Speich-Ames, IA, Josie Speich-West Fargo, Gavan Zich and Brendan Zich-Chippewa Falls; sister Cheryl Foell-Valley City, ND; brother Bruce (Dayna) Speich-Milnor, ND; mother-in-law Mary Breker; sisters-in-law Wanda Speich-Salado, TX, Sandy (Greg) Floyd-Emily, MN, Deb (Gordy) Hanson-Oceanside, CA, Beth (Farren) Stroehl-Lidgerwood, ND, Sue Breker-Dinger (Paul Dinger)-Minneapolis, MN; and brother-in-law, Kurt Breker- Cayuga, ND.

   He was preceded in death by his parents Orval and Elinor Speich; Bonus Mother, Jeanne Speich; grandparents Edwin and Edith Speich, Gilbert and Hulda Olson; uncles Clarence Speich and Allan Olson; brother Craig Speich; father-in-law Jim Breker; and brother in-law Kim Foell.

   Donations can be made to the Lakeside Cemetery, % Jill Bogart, 622 4th Ave, Milnor, ND 58060 or to a charity of your choice.

   Visitation: Friday, July 26, 2024, from 5-7 p.m., followed by a prayer vigil at 7 p.m., in West Funeral Home, West Fargo, ND.

   Mass of Christian Burial: Saturday, July 27, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., in Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, with visitation one hour prior to the service.

   Interment at a Later Date: Lakeside Cemetery, Milnor, ND.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

westfuneralhome.com

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