NEW ULM–Gary L. Dallmann, age 81 of New Ulm died Monday, April 8, 2024, at the Oak Hills Living Center in New Ulm due to influenza complications after a hard-fought battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Ulm with Pastor Scott Oelhafen officiating.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, April 12th at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home-North Chapel in New Ulm. The visitation will continue from 10-11 am on Saturday at St. John’s Lutheran Church prior to the service.

Because Gary graciously chose to donate his body to the University of Minnesota for Parkinson’s Disease research studies, burial will take place at a later date in the St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery in New Ulm.

The Minnesota Valley Funeral Homes of New Ulm are assisting the family with arrangements at this time.To leave an online condolence for his family, or to sign the guestbook, go to: mvfh.org

Gary is survived by his loving wife, Diane Dallmann of New Ulm; his daughter, Shannon (Guy) Gibson of Bertram, Iowa; his son, Brett (Laurel) Dallmann of Ham Lake; his step-daughter, Kathy (Mark) Schiesl of Brookings, South Dakota; his step-sons, Kevin (Andrea) Mitchell of Centennial, Colorado, Kyle (Jill Nelson) Mitchell of Lake Villa, Illinois; his grandchildren, Michon (Justin) McDanial of Hiawatha, Iowa, Chase Dallmann of Blaine; his step-grandchildren, Andrew Schiesl of Brookings, South Dakota, Kailey (Max) Swienton of Thornton, Colorado, Ashley Cook of New Prague, Mikayla Mitchell, Elizabeth Mitchell, Olivia Mitchell all of Centennial, Colorado; his great-grandchild, Keon McDaniel; his sister, Ronda (Fritz) Hackbarth of Onalaska, Wisconsin; his sister-in-law, Barb Dallmann of Greenfield, Wisconsin; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Roger Dallmann.

Gary Leonhard Dallmann was born October 26, 1942, in New Ulm, Minnesota to Leonhard and Eldora (Thom) Dallmann. Growing up in New Ulm, Gary attended and was a 1960 graduate from Martin Luther Academy. As an athlete from his youth on, Gary earned the title “Athlete of the City” his senior year in 1960. To further his education, Gary attained his bachelor’s degree, and later his master’s degree in Physical Education from Mankato State University. He was united in marriage to Diane Kaping on July 1, 1987, at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Ulm. Gary dedicated an illustrious 44 years of his life to Martin Luther College where he served as the college’s Athletic Director and Professor, enriching the lives of countless students and athletes, leaving a permanent mark on the community and the students he cherished. Besides teaching physical education for the college, Gary also coached soccer, men’s and women’s basketball, women’s tennis, golf, and baseball. He served as commissioner of NSCAA for years, and was also inducted into the USCAA Hall of Fame on June 11, 2017. Besides his work, there were a variety of hobbies that brought him great joy in life. Born with passion for the outdoors, Gary had a deep connection with nature spending countless hours in the great outdoors. As an avid outdoorsman, he reveled in hunting, fishing, and hunting dogs. His love for nature and history flowed seamlessly into his authored and published work, “White Fox,” which captured his passion for preserving history. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Gary’s heart truly belonged to his family. His devotion to his loved ones knew no bounds, and his grandchildren always held a special place in his heart.

Gary’s infectious sense of humor illuminated every room he entered, and his generosity and determination were unmatched. As a man who loved to socialize, he could make conversation and become friends with anyone he met. Together with his wife, Diane, they travelled to places such as Alaska, Florida, and even Germany where countless new memories were made. Whether mentoring students, coaching athletes, or spending quality time with loved ones, he approached every endeavor with unwavering dedication and a steadfast love. Gary was a dedicated member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of New Ulm where he served and volunteered wherever there was a need. He also was a past member of the Lion’s Club International.

Though he may no longer walk among us, his spirit lives on in the countless lives he touched and the memories he created. Gary Dallmann will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. May his legacy continue to inspire us to live with passion, humor, and a generous heart. Blessed be his memory.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Martin Luther College (MLC) of New Ulm, St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of New Ulm, or the donor’s choice. Excess memorials will be donated in Gary’s honor to continued Parkinson’s research.

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