Gary Dreyer

Gary Dreyer, beloved husband and father, and simply “the best” doting Grandpa, passed away 4/10/25 after a courageous fight with Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA). Gary, 75, of Woodbury, MN, was born to Harold and Lillian (Michals) Dreyer in Glenwood, MN, the second youngest of 10 children.   Although Glenwood always remained a special place, Gary spent most of his childhood growing up in Watertown, South Dakota.  Gary’s Watertown childhood was full of adventures, from trying to build a raft to use on Willow Creek to biking to the state line with his brother Dennis.  Gary swam five miles across Lake Kampeska, earned his Eagle Scout award, and won his debate team’s state championship. 

For Gary’s last year of high school, the family moved to the Rice/St. Cloud area, where he met the love of his life, Mary K Gohman.  They spent many evenings at the local dance halls like the Domino.  After graduating from high school, Gary participated in a co-op program, allowing him to attend the University of Minnesota’s Mechanical Engineering program while also gaining work experience at 3M. 

Gary and Mary K were married October 23, 1971, at Holy Spirit Church in St. Cloud, and were blessed with 53 years of marriage.  In 1982 Gary and his brother Warren helped build the home in Woodbury where Gary and Mary K raised their three daughters, Jenny, Lori, and Kristy.  While Gary worked full time at 3M for 39 years, he remained an active father, from ferrying Jenny and Kristy to softball games on the back of his motorcycle, to cheering Jenny on at endless basketball games, and helping Lori drive the family boat.   Summers were busy with time at a cabin, where Gary liked to show off his water skiing skills, and of course taking many motorcycle trips.  Gary was an active member of 3M’s motorcycle club, serving as its president for a time, and Gary rode his motorcycle all over the US, through New Zealand, and across parts of Europe.  Some of Gary’s favorite motorcycle rides were through the Black Hills, on the Beartooth Highway, and across the Rockies.  Gary especially enjoyed when Mary K could join these longer adventures.  Together, they frequently rode their motorcycle to Nelson Creamery for lunch and Gary’s favorite chocolate almond fudge ice cream, and they liked to celebrate their anniversary with a fall ride to Prairie du Chien. 

As Gary reached retirement age, he continued on his epic motorcycle adventures, including joining the Iron Butt Club by riding 1,000 miles in one day, through a journey to Red Lodge, MT via Devil’s Tower.  Gary also was proud to have scaled several 14-ers (14,000’ elevation mountains in Colorado), and enjoyed an annual March oceanside escape with Mary K and Lori, where they enjoyed dining at as many outdoor patios as possible, taking relaxing walks along the beach, and watching the sunset.  Gary’s favorite retirement adventure came in the form of four grandchildren - Emma, Elvis, Katie, and Claire - who were his pride and joy. From taking naps with sleeping babies to crossing the swamp for a special playground adventure, Gary never missed an opportunity to spend time with his grandkids.  He was best known for taking his grandkids to their favorite parks and giving them generous helpings of Oreos.  In his retirement, Gary also began volunteering for the Red Cross, as a blood delivery driver, with the AARP’s volunteer tax prep crew, and as treasurer for the Evergreen Neighborhood Association.  

When Gary started having difficulty with language, he received his Primary Progressive Aphasia diagnosis. Gary took his illness with an inspiring amount of acceptance and grace. Despite the challenges he was presented, Gary continued to be an active member of his family, chasing grandkids with water balloons and teaching them how to make his famous fudge.  Gary continuously chose joy throughout his life, and never stopped sharing his warm smile, beautiful blue eyes, and his reassuring thumbs up.  He will always be remembered for his triumphs over the adversity presented by his PPA.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial to either the Red Cross, the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD), or Minnesota Connect Aphasia Now (MnCan).  Services will be held at Guardian Angels church in Oakdale, MN with visitation at 10 am and the service at 11 am on May 30.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.