Gary Gail Gowan, 83, passed away Friday May 21, 2021 at his home as a result of injuries sustained in an accident doing what he loved, mowing the grass.

Gary was born December 9, 1937 in Grand Forks ND.  He was the eleventh of twelve children born to Roy Milton and Lilly Henrietta (Clausen) Gowan.  He went to rural school district 10 in Turtle River Township for grades one through eight.  He graduated from high school in Oslo, MN in 1955.  Gary was a Golden Glove boxing champion in 1955-56.  Gary was very particular and was determined he would marry only the prettiest and smartest girl in his High School. Fortunately, the beautiful class valedictorian, Patricia Jean Lofthus seemed to think that he was alright also and being the nurturing but also adventurous type, agreed to marry him. On June 6, 1958 their over 60 year love story began when they were united in marriage.  They made their home in West Oslo where together they loved and raised their five children, Deb, Tom, Pam, Amy and Angie who became the focus of their lives.

Gary farmed all of his life and had additional employment through the years at Western Fruit Railroad in Grand Forks and Schultz & Lindsey Construction on I 29 from Drayton to Oslo.  He worked eight winters at Pillsbury, Grand Forks, 20 years at Na-Churs Plantfood Co, Minto and 27 years at Gowan Construction, Oslo.  He was also a charter member of the Oslo Lions Club.  Gary was a vestry member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church for 18 years, and was an active supporter of EGF Heritage Days where he will be greatly missed.

Gary's life was full and rewarding. His number one rule was "If you don't have fun it's your own damn fault." He lived that philosophy every day and approached each day with a smile on his face and a laugh in his heart.  Gary always had encouraging words for everyone.

Gary loved his family deeply.  He had many talents and he shared those talents with his children whether it was teaching them how to drive a stick shift and then a tractor, how to water ski or ride a horse and play cribbage.  He also loved to tend his cattle, hunt, fish, and spend time with his grandchildren. Gary loved his animals and taught his children to take care of them and love them as well. He always had to make sure his children had a horse to ride. If there was a child of his without a horse all of a sudden one would appear in the pasture for them.

Gary was very outgoing and could make friends out of strangers while waiting in the express lane of a Wal-mart checkout. Whether he was on a shopping trip to Menards or taking a trip on an airplane, he visited and laughed with people along the way.  Gary was very witty and loved to tell stories, his hearty laugh and smile always warmed people's hearts.  He taught his children how to work hard and to love life, but mostly to have fun always keeping in mind his rule number one. He wanted his children to have happiness in every aspect of their life.  He also taught them that life can be one hurdle after another but that with God's help we would get through it and we could help a few others along the way.

Gary is survived by his wife, Patricia; son Thomas (Elrose) Gowan; daughters Debra (James) Solem, Amy (James) Larson, Angela (Justin) Cerkowniak; grandchildren Tyler(Mari), Tim(Rebecca), Troy(Ashley), Jason(Sarah), Travis(Rachel), Justin, Kristina, Brett, Bryce, Thomas, and Lilly; Great-Grandchildren Della, Blaise, Kaizley, Moxin, Ryzer, Deziree, Dominic, Damian, Giana, Courtney and Cassandra; great-great granddaughter Everly Rose; sister Lily Gulas; and many nieces and nephews.

Gary is preceded in death by his daughter Pamela Adams, his parents Roy and Lilly, sisters Delores, Leila, Lois and Elaine, brothers Frank, Willis, Roy, Charles, Robert, and James.

Memorial Service: 2:00 PM Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at St. Paul Episcopal Church, 319 S. 5 ^th Street, Grand Forks, ND 58201.

Visitation: 1 hour prior to services at the church

Inurnment: Granville Cemetery~Oslo, MN