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NEW ULM--Gary Lynn Wallner, age 81, of New Ulm, Minnesota, passed away on November 4, 2026, at Woodstone Senior Living in New Ulm.
Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home - SOUTH Chapel in New Ulm. Burial will follow in the New Ulm City Cemetery with full military honors provided by the New Ulm Area Comrades of Valor Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 9:30-11a.m. Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home - SOUTH Chapel in New Ulm. To leave an online condolence for his family or to sign the guestbook, go to mvfh.org.
Gary was born on August 29, 1945, to Leo Wallner and Leona (Schwartz, Wallner)Stadick. The third of four children, Gary was born and raised in New Ulm, a community he proudly called home throughout his entire life. He attended St. Paul's Lutheran grade school and graduated from New Ulm Public High School in 1963. Following high school, Gary enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving his country until 1967. He spent much of his military service stationed in Cheyenne, Wyoming, where he served as an air patrol guard.
On July 25, 1968, Gary married Helen Ann Sprenger, beginning a marriage that would span 56 years. Together, they built their family and raised two daughters, Jenny and Julie. Gary spent his entire working career at Kraft Foods, where he developed lasting friendships before retiring in 2004. Retirement gave him more time to enjoy the things he loved most--family, friends, sports, and the familiar places and pastimes that brought him happiness.
A loyal Minnesota Twins fan, Gary rarely missed an opportunity to watch a game on television and did his best to catch every inning of the season. He enjoyed time on the golf course with Helen and their friends and was always up for a game of sheephead or cribbage. He was a member of the New Ulm American Legion, enjoyed visits to Jackpot Junction, and, in his younger years, earned a bit of local notoriety for his bowling talents. Some of Gary's favorite memories were made during summers spent at various lake resorts with family and friends. Whether enjoying time in the boat or around the campfire, playing a game of dice, or simply being together, these were the moments that made life meaningful to him.
Gary is lovingly remembered by his daughters, Jenny (David) Van Eck of Madison Lake and Julie (Shane) Rose of Woodbury; his five grandchildren, Tyler, Jonathan, and Carter Van Eck, and Olivia and Lila Rose; his sister, Kathleen Wallner; sister-in-law, Jan Wallner; brother-in-law, Clarence (Joyce) Sprenger; and many extended family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Helen; his parents, Leo and Leona; stepfather, Joseph Stadick; brothers, Rodney and Leo Wallner; and many brothers-in- law and sisters-in-law.
May his memory be a blessing and may those who loved him find comfort in a life well lived.