Brooklyn Park, MN - Gary Ralph McElmurry was born on February 8, 1934, and grew up in St. Louis Park as the eldest of three children. He was the son of Harvey and Dorothy McElmurry. Gary's sister, Janet Huttner, and his brother, Bob McElmurry, both preceded him in death.

After graduating from St. Louis Park High School in 1951, Gary worked as a printer for nine months before enlisting in the Air Force during the Korean War. He served as Deputy Foreign Intelligence and was stationed in Japan until his discharge in 1956. Upon returning home, Gary held various positions as a draftsman.

Gary married Mavis on June 2, 1962, in Clarissa, Mavis's hometown. The couple moved into their home in New Hope in September 1962, where they lived for sixty years.

Gary and Mavis raised three children. Gary was a devoted father and a loving grandfather to five grandchildren, actively attending their football, basketball, and baseball games, as well as ballet performances. He was known for his playful teasing, often sparking laughter and joy among his grandchildren. He also cherished his two great-granddaughters, who brought him much happiness.

Professionally, Gary worked at Buhler as a project engineer and eventually became an engineering manager. He dedicated thirty-two years to the company before retiring in 1998.

Family vacations were a cherished tradition, with camping trips out west, Minnesota state parks, and fishing trips in Canada. Gary's hobbies included golfing well into his late eighties, gardening, and tending to his vegetable garden and rose varieties. He was skilled at home improvement projects and woodworking. He also enjoyed grilling and was a coffee enthusiast, frequently stopping at Caribou Coffee and making cappuccinos at home.

In retirement, Gary and Mavis traveled extensively, with Florida and Anna Maria Island becoming favorite destinations. They enjoyed walking barefoot on the beach, exploring the island, and spending time with family.

After Mavis passed away in January 2025, Gary moved to an assisted living apartment in Brooklyn Park, where he enjoyed sitting on his balcony with a cup of coffee. In the fall of 2025, after a hospital stay and rehabilitation, he moved to the Beehive in Maple Grove, where he spent his final months. Gary passed away at North Memorial in Robbinsdale on December 19, 2025.

He is survived by daughter Carol (Scott) Smothers, daughter-in-law Mary Beth McElmurry, son Mark (Nancy) McElmurry; grandchildren Matthew (Jenna), Carlie (Sterlin), Jake, Aaron, and Annelise and great grandchildren Scarlet and Ivadel; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by parents Harvey and Dorothy, brother Robert, sister Janet Huttner, and son Ronald McElmurry.

Gary will be remembered for his warmth, humor, and deep love for his family.

A Memorial service will be held at 11:00 Friday Jan. 16 at The 21st Century Bank Center, 12716 Main Street, Rogers with a lunch to follow.

Memorials preference to "Ronald T. McElmurry Memorial".