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Gary Frank Wurdell obituary, 4/15/2000


Gary Frank Wurdell, age 58 of Hutchinson, passed away on
Saturday, April 15, 2000, at his home in Acoma Township, Minn.
Funeral services were Wednesday, April 19, 2000, 11 a.m.,
from Peace Lutheran Church, Hutchinson, with the Rev. Gerhard Bode officiating.
The organist was Paul Otte. Congregational hymns were “How Great Thou
Art,” “Borning Cry,” “What A Friend,” “Abide
With Me,” and “Earth and All Stars.” Interment was in Peace
Lutheran Cemetery, Hutchinson.
Casket bearers were Tom Daggett, Jerry Haag, Curtis Hart,
Gary Hoffman, Lon Lenzen, Larry Magnuson, Weston Plath, and Glenn Witte.
Gary was born Jan. 13, 1942, in Watertown, Minn., the son
of Fred and Evlyn (Martin) Wurdell. Gary grew up with the family business
at the Hollywood Station. He attended St. John Lutheran School through the
eighth grade in Hollywood, Minn.
After graduating from the Watertown High School, Gary served
in the United States Army, later transfering to the National Guard unit
in Hutchinson.
Gary worked at the Crows Nest and Tonka Toys before and
while studying mechanical drafting and estimating at Dunwoody Institute,
Minneapolis.
On July 22, 1967, Gary was united in marriage to Shirley
Lenzen, “the girl across the street,” in Hollywood. This marriage
was blessed with three sons. They resided in Hutchinson.
A member of the Silver Lake American Legion, Gary was also
involved in the community with 4-H, the Drift Riders, the Phoenix Drumline,
AAL and the H.H.S. senior class parties.
He enjoyed snowmobiling, sitting around campfires, and
doing anything with his family. He also enjoyed building things, and was
happiest with a hammer in his hand.
Gary was an active member of Peace Lutheran Church, Hutchinson.
Through the years, he served as congregational vice president, elder, trustee,
youth counselor, as well as serving on many committees.
He was involved in the planning of the Peace Center, the
Prince of Peace Retirement Living, the preparation remodeling work for the
addition of the new organ and renovating the communion railing and cabinet.

Gary served in many ways, but is most remembered for his
ability and willingness to use his talents of building and planning. He
loved with his heart and served with his hands.
Gary is survived by his wife, Shirley Wurdell of Hutchinson;
sons, Gustav Wurdell of Hutchinson, Grant Wurdell and wife, Jennifer, of
St. Louis Park; and Greg Wurdell and wife, Jill of Oakdale; twin grandsons,
Benjamin and Gabriel Wurdell; his father, Fred Wurdell of Howard Lake Good
Samartin Center; sisters and brothers-in-law, Dianne and Walter Borchardt
of Minnetonka, Kathleen and Bill Walsh of Maple Grove, Gail Wurdell of St.
Louis Park; and mother and father-in-law, Art and Alice Lenzen of Waconia.
He is further survived by sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law,
Sue and Curtis Hart of New Germany, Sandra and Roger Tesch of Amarillo,
Texas; Lori and Guyle Corley of Lubbock, Texas; and Lon and Lanny Lenzen
of Dallas, Texas; special aunt, Doris Daggett of Hutchinson; and many neices,
nephews, cousins, aunts and friends
Gary was preceded in death by his mother, Evlyn Wurdell.
Arrangements were by Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel, Hutchinson.

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