Gary E. Klemisch

Gary Eugene Klemisch was born on December 7, 1958, to Ted and Vangie (Braun) Klemisch. He grew up in Moorhead, MN, where he attended school and graduated from Moorhead High School in 1977.

On March 19, 1983, Gary married Gail Grinde in Moorhead. From that union they had 3 beautiful daughters. Following Gail’s passing in 2002, Gary stepped into the role of chief caregiver to their girls. His daughters- each having inherited his strong-willed and determined spirit- did not always make it easy for him. Yet, true to his nature, Gary met the challenge with strength and resilience.

Gary understood the true worth of a day’s hard work. He worked for the Fargo VA for several decades before retiring from the medical records department. In 2001, he founded a commercial cleaning company, Enhanced Properties. The business flourished, and his role as father expanded into that of “boss,” as each of his daughters, at one time or another, worked alongside him.

After a few years of friendship, Gary and Judy (Wenner) Klemisch were united in marriage on September 8th, 2018. They made their home outside Vergas, MN—a haven nestled among the trees. It became a favored gathering place and a spot where wildlife were frequent visitors just outside their door.

Gary was a man of sharp wit and quiet wisdom, with a deep love for history and genealogy. His workshop was his sanctuary—watched over by a life-sized John Wayne—where he crafted everything from bookshelves to garden planters for his daughters. Each piece, still treasured in their homes, reflects his skill and attention to detail.

He cherished time spent with family and friends, enjoying good company, laughter, and conversation over a drink. To a beloved many, he was "Dits", a nickname spoken with the utmost love. He valued integrity, lived with accountability, and never turned down a spirited debate. Though not always one to speak his heart aloud, his loyalty and love were spoken clearly through his actions.

Gary is survived by his wife, Judy; his three daughters, Sarah (Eric DeClercq) Klemisch, Megan (Brady) Anderson, and Rachel (John) LaTourelle; and six grandchildren, Dekker DeClercq, Ruby and Harvey Anderson, Brody Baumgart, and Asher and Eleana LaTourelle; stepdaughter Kallee Hanson.

He is also survived by his big brother, Leon (Kate) Klemisch, who even from afar, stood beside him with strength and love, and by his baby sister, Sheila (Wade) Burke, who brightened his life with care, encouragement, and laughter; and by Marcy (Chris) Hill. In addition He is further survived by his former wife, Pege Klemisch and her children. In addition, he leaves behind many beloved friends and members of his extended family.

Above all, Gary will be remembered for his steadfast love of family, his quiet strength, and the joy he found in laughter and playful jokes—a legacy carried forever in our hearts, and most deeply in the hearts of his daughters. As he leaves this life, we find peace in knowing he is welcomed home by many dear ones who preceded him.

Gary passed away peacefully surrounded by family on September 2, 2025 following an 18-month courageous battle with Glioblastoma

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the doctors and nurses who guided him through his GBM journey, the compassionate staff at HIA, and to his second family at Elim in Fargo.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, September 8, 2025, at 4:30 PM, with visitation for one hour before the service, at Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN.

In a final act of remarkable generosity, he donated his body to UND School of Medicine, allowing his legacy to live on through the education and inspiration of future healers. Even in passing, he continues to make a difference in the world.