Pastor Gary Garnatz, 73, died Monday, April 13, 2026, in his home at Ecumen Lakeshore in Duluth, Minn.
He graduated from Lanesboro High School in 1970 and went to Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S. Dak., graduating in 1974. Gary’s seminary education was at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn., and he graduated in 1978. He served in four parishes in his 40 years of ministry: Hudson Lutheran Church in Hudson, S. Dak.; Faith Lutheran Church in Three Lakes, Wis.; Colfax Rural Lutheran Parish in Colfax, Wis., (Holden, Norton, and North Running Valley Lutheran Churches); Bethel Lutheran Church in Superior, Wis. His faith and family were priorities for him.
Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. funeral service on Friday, April 17, 2026, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 219 N. 6th Ave. E., Duluth, Minn., with Pastor David Carlson officiating. Inurnment will be at Holden Lutheran Church Cemetery in Colfax, Wis., at a later date.
Downs Life Celebration Center, 1902 N. 34th St., Superior, Wis., is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.downsfh.com.
Marlene Connelly says
So very sorry to hear this. Gary was a wonderful classmate of mine. We even took drivers Ed and behind the wheel class together. RIP Sweet guy. You fought a long battle.
Michael Halvorson says
My Deepest Sympathy to Gary’s Family 🙏