Dennis C. Gare

Dennis C. Gare, age 78 of Faribault, MN passed away on Monday, January 8, 2024, at the Faribault Medical Center.

Dennis Charles, the son of Lester and Louise (Chavie) Gare, was born on October 7, 1945, in Faribault. Dennis grew up in Faribault and attended country school before graduating from the Faribault High School with the Class of 1963. He was the first employee of Faribo Plumbing & Heating and worked there for many years. He then worked for the Regional Center and Department of Corrections before returning to Faribo Plumbing & Heating. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Linda Davidson on March 20, 1965, at First English Lutheran Church in Faribault. While he never sat still, Dennis enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping, pitching horseshoes, gardening, being a vendor at the farmer’s market and making his homemade horseradish, carrot cakes, canned salsa, jams, jellies, and pickles. He also carved diamond willow canes, green hornets, and spearing decoys, and was known for his wonderful smoked meats. He loved spending time at the camper up North, and especially fishing with local buddies and grandkids.

He was an instrumental organizer of the Rice County Sport Fishing Association where he provided countless fishing poles for youth during the Faribault Heritage Days Celebration over many years.  He was also a member of Faribault Eagles #1460, Faribault Moose Lodge #2098, and the local Turkey Federation Chapter (Mentoring youth hunts), and countless other outdoor organizations, too numerous to mention in this space. 

Dennis is survived by his wife of 58 years, Linda; children, Steve (Misae) Gare, Paula (Kirk) Mansfield, and Dan (Mary) Gare; grandchildren, Erika Gare, Maiya Gare, Mitchell (fiancé Chantel) Mees, Dakota Mansfield, Hunter Gare and Piper Gare; one great-grandchild on the way; sisters, Mary Jean Paschke, Carol (Cornell) Lee, Diane (David) Sievers, Christine (Mike) Cashin and Debbie Smykalski; his beloved dog, Daisy; and by nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Kathleen Kubinski, Sharon Sellner, and James Gare; nephews, Bill Kubinski and Tim Sellner; brothers-in-law, David Kubinski, James Paschke, and Mark Smykalski; and sister-in-law, Carol Jean Gare.

A special thank you to his Hospice nurse Amy, and to the wonderful nursing staff on the third floor of Faribault Medical Center.

Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home & Crematory, Faribault with Rev. Carrie Chatelaine, Associate Pastor of First English Lutheran Church, officiating. 

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. on Friday, January 12, at the funeral home and will continue for one hour prior to the service Saturday morning.

Funeral arrangements are being completed by the Parker Kohl Funeral Home & Crematory.