Gary Lea Ulven

Gary Lea Ulven, 60, of Hawley, MN passed away peacefully with his family beside him on Tuesday, March 31st, 2015. Gary was born on September 4th, 1954 to Jerome and Dorothy Wistad Ulven in Detroit Lakes, MN.

Gary grew up and attended school in Hawley working at Burns Motors after school. After high school he attended the Detroit Lakes Technical College for auto mechanics and continued to work at Burns Motors in the parts department eventually becoming the parts manager.

On August 18th, 1979 Gary married his high school sweetheart, Cindy Beckett. They bought a home on Lake Erickson where they lived for 16 years.
The proudest moment in Gary’s life was becoming a father. Their daughter, Amber Jo Lea Ulven, was born in 1983 and son, Shane Lea Ulven, was born in 1987.
In 1984 Gary bought Cliff’s Auto Parts and began selling and distributing parts around MN and ND. In order to spend more time home with his family instead of delivering parts on the road, Gary began working at RAPAT as an assembler in 1992 where he worked for 21 years. In 1995 Gary and Cindy moved to Hawley where they built their home. In 2005 he started working as a substitute rural mail carrier and then took a full time position as a rural carrier in 2013.

In his free time he enjoyed fishing and hunting with his wife, two kids, family, and friends. Seemingly, the only band allowed to play in his shop or truck were The Beatles. It was not uncommon to find Gary working in his shop as he sang along to Beatle Brunch on Sunday mornings. In the 16 months after being diagnosed with cancer Gary was able to complete many things on his bucket list, including walking his daughter down the aisle, traveling with his wife and seeing Paul McCartney in concert last summer with his family.

Gary is survived by his wife, Cindy Ulven; two children, Amber Jennings Ott of Fargo, ND and Shane Ulven of Grand Forks, ND; brother Charles Evie Ulven of Moorhead; his grand-dog Kirra of Hawley, MN; and many nieces and nephews that were very special to him.

Gary was welcomed into Heaven by his parents, Jerome and Dorothy and sister, JoAnn.

He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, ability to fix anything, and his knowledge in fishing and hunting. Gary found great joy in sharing his hunting and fishing skills and knowledge with his children and nephew.

Gary’s family would like to thank his wonderful and caring doctors and nurses at Roger Maris Cancer Center, Hospice and all their family and friends for their help, love and support.

Visitation will be Friday, April 3, from 5 – 7 p.m., with prayer service at 7 p.m., in Wright Funeral Home, Hawley, MN.

Funeral will be Saturday, April 4, at 2 p.m., in Solem Lutheran Church, Hawley, MN.

Interment will follow at Dale Immanuel Cemetery, Hawley, MN.