A Celebration of Life was held for Gary Alvin Wanner at Karvonen Funeral Home in Wadena, on Friday, February 12, 2021. Special music was provided by Trinessa Spanswick. 

Gary Alvin Wanner was born on October 4, 1954 in LaMoure, N.D.. His parents were the late Alvin and Gladys (Hanson) Wanner.  Gary grew up in Deer Creek. He graduated from Deer Creek High School with the class of 1973. Gary continued his education at the Wadena Vocational Technical College in Wadena where he received an automotive technician degree. Gary was employed in New York Mills as a mechanic from 1975 to 1995.   

On July 29, 1987 Gary was united in marriage to Diane Boedigheimer in Park Rapids, Minn. Gary and Diane owned and operated the Blue Horizon Ballroom in rural Perham from 1987 to 1997.  Gary was employed at NAPA from 1995 until recently retiring in 2019. 

Gary loved spending time with his girls and grandkids. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, mechanics, camping, racing cars and demo derbies, and his dogs.  Gary also enjoyed going to Canada on fishing trips with his buddies.  

On February 7, 2021 Gary passed away in Perham, at 66 years of age.  He will be dearly missed by his family and friends. Preceding Gary in death were his parents, Alvin and Gladys; father-in-law, Jim Boedigheimer; and brother-in-law, John Baumgart. 

Gary is survived by his loving wife, Diane Wanner of New York Mills; daughters: Kristi (Todd) Wanner of Bertha, Minn.; Erica Zerr of Perham; Dena (Chris) Perry of Detroit Lakes, Minn.; and Jackie (Michael) Englund of Wadena; grandchildren: Madison, Jaron, Megan, James, Lily, Malayna, Isabelle, Lydia, Stella and Josiah; sister, Shirley (Eddie) Pauna of Ottertail; many nieces and nephews, and a host of friends. 

Please visit www.karvonenfuneralhome.com to leave memorials and condolences on Gary’s Tribute Wall. 

Arrangements provided by Karvonen Funeral & Cremation Service of New York Mills.