Gary Freeman Karlstad, 72

Gary Freeman Karlstad, 72, lost his battle with cancer and died on Sept. 24, 2014, at North Valley Hospital, with hospice care, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born July 8, 1942, in Mayville, N.D. He was raised in rural Mayville and attended school at Mayville High School, graduating with the class of 1961.

Gary was an all-around athlete in high school and a jack-of-all-trades. He served in the Army National Guard and Reserves, serving as a sergeant E-5 with the military police. Growing up, he raised cattle and was also a bricklayer, farmer, truck driver, general contractor, loving husband and a wonderful father and grandfather. 

  He married the love of his life, his wife Nancy, of 40 years. Gary and Nancy lived in Denver for a short time and also in Detroit Lakes, Minn., then they moved to Mayville, where they raised their children, until they moved to Whitefish in 1988.

Gary loved to hang out with family and friends. He loved hunting in North Dakota, and then learned to hunt in the mountains of Montana. He enjoyed watching the grandchildren grow and going to all the sports and other activities they were involved in. 

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Edgar and Agnes Karlstad; wife, Nancy Karlstad; brother, Mervin; and nephew, Todd Karlstad.

He is survived by his children, Kimberly and husband Mike Pillman of Milford, Ohio, Brant and wife Jeanne Karlstad of Kalispell, Chris Karlstad of Portland, N.D., and Jenny and husband Justin Johnson of Whitefish; grandchildren, Ryan, Bryce, Hunter, Brooke, Payton, Tanner and Kinzlee; and great-grandson, Travis; and two sisters, Sharon Ramstad, and Wanda Hanson and Loren, and their families.

A potluck-style celebration of Gary's life will be held at 5 p.m. today, Sept. 27, at the Whitefish Armory, 315 Armory Road, in Whitefish.

Cremation has taken place. Austin Funeral Home in Whitefish is in charge of arrangements.