Gary S. Toso Sr.

September 12, 1940 - May 22, 2019

Gerhard Toso, Sr, 78, of Fergus Falls, died peacefully, Wednesday, May 22, 2019, at PioneerCare in Fergus Falls. He was born September 12, 1940, in Pelican Rapids, the son of Henry and Gladys (Olson) Toso. He grew up in the Maplewood area, attending grade school at District 161 (near Erhard) and graduated from Pelican Rapids High School. He began a lifetime career in automobile sales, beginning with Minnesota Motors, where he first began in the detail department, then he drove the wrecker, “Minnie the Mighty” and continued in the sales department. Later he became a partner with Harley Kantrud in K and T Auto, followed by employment with Fergus Dodge, which became Fergus Motors. Later he worked at Jim Schmidt Motors, purchasing the business and renaming it Gary Toso Motors, after the sale of the business, Gary was a deliveryman for NAPA Auto Parts. On November 8, 1956, he married Judy Nelson in Fergus Falls and on May 24, 1986, he married Donna Grunewald Fihn at Augustana Lutheran Church of Fergus Falls. Gary enjoyed deer hunting, yearly grouse hunts with his sons, camping, especially at WE Fest, Man or Mouse card game and the RFD Polka Channel. He was a member of the Fergus Falls Elks Club, the Eagles, Sno Eagles Snowmobile Club, Y’s Folks and Lake Region Pioneer Threshermen’s Association. He was also an active member of the Sverdrup Lutheran Church in Underwood. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, sharing a good joke, unique recipes and time spent with his family (especially his grandchildren and grand dogs). Preceding him in death were his parents, Henry Toso and Gladys Kurynatnik; wife, Judy; brother, Chester; sister, Evangeline Cooper; daughter, Cindy Dean and a son-in-law, Warren Randklev. Survivors include his wife, Donna; daughter, Bonnie Randklev; sons Scott (Yvonne), J.R. (Robbyn), Travis (Heidi), and Trent (Kaylee); step daughter, Loreli (Rob) Westby; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister, Verna Lindberg; brother, Michael (Darlene); son-in-law, Kim Dean and several nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the donor’s choice. Visitation: 4-7 p.m. Friday, May 24, 2019, with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. at Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls Service: 1 p.m. Saturday, May 25, 2019, at Sverdrup Lutheran Church, Underwood Clergy: Reverend Zinta Sundby Interment: Knollwood Memorial Gardens, Fergus Falls Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com