Gary Eugene Ravnkilde

GARY E. RAVNKILDE, of Waseca, passed away peacefully on the morning of Saturday, December 18, 2021, with his loved ones by his side. He was 78.

Born to Peter Sr. and Lucille (Matz) Ravnkilde on Sept. 28th in Waseca, he was the 3rd of 6 children. He grew up in rural Waseca and attended grade school at the Pink Schoolhouse and then later Central School in Waseca. He chose not to finish school and enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving most of his time in Germany, until a family emergency brought him home.

Gary worked several jobs until finding his happy place at the E.F. Johnson Company, where he worked for many years as a machinist. It was there that he also met the love of his life. Following his employment there, he worked at Permac Industries in Burnsville until his retirement.

Gary was united in marriage to Bertha Ann Schultz on Nov 1st, 1969. Together they built their home in Wilton township near his family, and they raised two children.

Gary enjoyed gardening, taking care of his beautiful property and his evergreen trees. He especially loved summer vacations with his family, Up North to the cabin, which he built. He enjoyed being out on the beautiful lakes up there fishing and taking in the scenery and wildlife. He loved to do woodworking projects and he was the best handyman around, he could fix anything. He also was an avid football fan, he especially enjoyed the Vikings and Alabama games.

Gary is survived by his wife of 52 years, Bertha, a daughter, Rebecca Frank of New Richland and her two children, Chandler Frank of Rochester, Allie Frank of Hartland and 2 great granddaughters, Hadley and Eden Johnson. Son, Jeffrey Ravnkilde of Waseca and six other grandchildren. Also a sister, several brothers and sisters in law and many nieces and nephews.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, two brothers, two sisters, a nephew and several brothers in law.

Gary had a heart of gold, always putting others first and working tirelessly to make sure his family was always taken care of. He will be deeply missed. May he now rest in peace.

To honor Gary's wishes, there will not be a public funeral, but a private family memorial at a later date.