Gary Jensen

Gary Wayne Jensen June 13, 1949 – June 14, 2025 Gary Wayne Jensen, age 76, of Nisswa, passed away peacefully around his loved ones on June 14, 2025. He was born on June 13, 1949, in Brainerd, Minnesota, to Harold and Ardelle Jensen.

Gary proudly served his country in the United States Navy before building a life in hard work, family, and the outdoors he so dearly loved. On August 25, 1973, he married the love of his life, Kathleen McCarty. Together they raised two children and built a life full of dedication, laughter, and legacy.

Throughout his career, Gary wore many hats—welder, pump service technician, well driller, crane operator, and excavator. In 1995, he and his son Shon co-founded G&S Excavating LLC, a business that reflected Gary’s grit, determination, and deep-rooted work ethic.

When he wasn’t working, Gary found his greatest joy sitting by the fire grilling dinner at his lot on Nisswa Lake. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing— especially at the family cabin on Lake of the Woods. Those moments in nature were where he felt most at home.

Gary is survived by his loving wife Kathleen; son Shon (Yolanda); daughter Laura (Kevin); grandchildren Taylor and Brooke; and siblings Lance (Barb) Jensen, Delrae (Leroy) Grams, Cathy (Robert) Hoekstra, Karen (Steve) Carder, and Patricia Koep. He was preceded in death by Parents Harold and Ardelle Jensen, and his sister JoAnne Ray 8/14/1947.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, June 22, at Brenny Funeral Home in Baxter from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., service at 12:00pm. Interment will take place at Nisswa Cemetery immediately afterward. Family and friends are invited to join for lunch in Gary’s honor following the interment at the Jensen’s lake lot on Nisswa Lake.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorials be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brenny Family Funeral Chapel.