Gary Vernon Ehlers

Gary Vernon Ehlers, age 82 of Wheaton, Minnesota, passed away Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at his residence in rural Wheaton, MN.

Visitation for Gary Ehlers will be held Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at the Bainbridge Funeral Home in Wheaton, MN, with a closing prayer at 11:30 a.m.

Military rites provided by the Merton Dale American Legion Post #80 following the prayer. A meal at the Merton Dale American Legion will follow military rites.

Gary was born on October 9, 1943, to Vernon and Viola (Totzke) Ehlers in Breckenridge, Minnesota. He graduated from Wheaton High School in 1961 and later served in the National Guard as a Demolition Expert.

On December 11, 1965, Gary was united in marriage to Diane Brummond at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Monson Township, rural Wheaton, Minnesota. Gary began farming alongside his father and went on to become a pioneer in organic farming during the 1970s. His efforts led to shipping his grain overseas to countries including Japan, Switzerland, and Germany.

Gary was the kind of man who would drop everything to help someone in need. He had a lifelong passion for hunting and fishing and especially enjoyed bear hunting trips to Grygla, MN with his best friend Dale and family. There they created lifelong friendships with many people, especially Pam, Ralph, Rodney, and Sherri.

In 2022, Gary and Joyce Kotesky reunited after both being widowed. Having dated in high school, they found their way back to one another. Joyce was a tremendous blessing in Gary’s life and to Gary’s family; and lovingly cared for him in his final months.

Gary is survived by his partner: Joyce Kotesky of Wheaton, MN; sons: Danny Ehlers of Duncan, Arizona, and Stacy (Carrie) Ehlers of Wheaton, MN; brother: Darus Ehlers; three grandchildren: Dylan (Sarah) Ehlers of Tea, South Dakota, Kelsey Ehlers of Wheaton, MN, and Jarred Ehlers of Wheaton, MN; three great grandchildren: Connor, Autumn, and Vera; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Arrangements are with Bainbridge Funeral Home in Wheaton, MN.