Gary Stracek, age 83 of Browerville, Minnesota, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Friday, September 26, 2025.

A Mass of Christian burial will take place on Monday, October 6, 2025, at 1:00 PM at the Christ the King Catholic Church in Browerville. A Rosary will be prayed at 1:45 PM at Christ the King Catholic Church on Sunday, October 5, 2025, followed by a time of visitation until 5:00 PM, when a prayer service will take place. Visitation will continue the day of Mass, one hour before the Mass at the church. Burial will take place later Monday, October 6, 2025, at the St. Isidore’s Catholic Cemetery in rural Browerville. 

Gary James Stracek was born on June 15, 1942, the son of James and Adeline (Prokes) Stracek of rural Moran Township. On June 30, 1962, Gary married the love of his life, Rita Robben. The young couple was blessed with six children, Sherry, Terry, Mary, Steve, Missi and Bob; raising them all in the Catholic faith.

After graduating from Staples High School, Gary worked in Minneapolis as a machinist.  He later moved back to Browerville where he established Stracek Construction and Lumber, operated numerous businesses in Browerville, and continued his machining and fabrication talent by helping to repair area farmer’s equipment in his home machine shop.

When Gary wasn’t working or spending time with his family, he dedicated himself to serving his community. He gave generously of his time through many organizations, including the Lions Club, The Knights of Columbus, his church parish council, and the Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative nominating committee. Gary was a true history buff with a deep love for geology, so his time spent with the Todd County Historical Society and the Clarissa Museum was especially meaningful to him. He also enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, searching for agates, collecting antiques, writing, and traveling. A natural artist, Gary poured his creativity into woodworking and crafting one-of-a-kind pieces that he and Rita proudly displayed and shared. Above all, Gary was known for his selflessness. He was a loyal friend, a devoted father and grandfather, and a husband who cherished Rita with all his heart until the very end.

In 1993, Gary was blessed with a second chance at life due to a generous heart donor.  He received a heart transplant that gifted him 33 more precious years with family and friends.

Left to carry on his memories is his wife of 63 years, Rita; his children, Sherry Crider, Terry (Dave) Hoglund, Mary (Tom) Schmitz, Steve (Lisa) Stracek, Missi (James) Larson and Bob (Nikki) Stracek; grandchildren, Josh (Brandice) Crider, Lacey (David) Long, Emily (Chad) Olson, Hannah (Peter) Ampe, Jacob (Elly) Hoglund, Ashley (Paul) Winge, Amber (Graham) James, Brandon (Brooke) Schmitz, Josie (Austin) Stracek–Williams, Jim (Kaleigh) Stracek, Jon (Ahna) Stracek, Christian Scheler, Elliot Stracek, Scarlett Stracek, Eli (Megan) Birkholtz, Ava Birkholtz, Carson Howe and Kynlee Larson, and 19 great-grandchildren.  Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Adeline Stracek; Brother, Kenneth Stracek; Granddaughter, Amanda Crider; and Uncle, George Prokes.