Gary Bliss

Gary Bliss

Gary Bliss

Gerald “Gary” George Bliss, age 82 of Redwood Falls, passed away Wednesday, June 19, 2019 at his home surrounded by his family.  Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 24 at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Redwood Falls.  Visitation is 4:00-7:00 p.m. Sunday at the church with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m.  Burial is in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Seaforth.  Stephens Funeral Service – Redwood Valley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Gary was born March 1, 1937 to George Gay and Leona Grace (Shaffer) Bliss in Redwood Falls Township, Minnesota.  He was baptized in the Methodist faith.  When Gary was 5 years old the family moved to a farm site near Seaforth, MN where he attended school through the 8th grade.  Growing up on a farm, Gary became a country boy at heart.  His love of horses led him to join the Sundown Riders Saddle Club where he participated in area rodeos earning many ribbons.  On July 6, 1963 Gary George married his best friend and soulmate Lorna Mary Woelfel at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Seaforth, MN where he was confirmed into the Catholic faith.  Gary and Lorna’s journey began on a hay ride with all their friends and their ride would continue with deepest respect, admiration and a love for each other that touched the depths of their hearts.  God blessed their marriage with three children, Todd Gerald, Patrick Michael and Gennifer Gay, and ten grandchildren, twins Brittany and Brianna Bliss, Dalton Bliss, Sam Anderson, Grace, Emma, Lily Frances, Jozie, Kolten and Kelsey Pingeon.  Gary was a loving father and papa with a passionate love for his grandchildren.  Gary worked for John Deere in Wabasso and in Redwood Falls after moving there in 1965.  He later owned his own semi and operated it for 18 years.  After that he went to work for Thielen Bus Lines where he drove school bus #9 and also the coach buses.  Whenever he took a trip with the coach, he climbed in behind the wheel with great pride.  Gary enjoyed camping, watching westerns, and being around his friends and family.  He was a loving, kind and patient man who greatly valued his faith.  The ride has ended, God needed the best driver in heaven.

Gary is survived by his wife Lorna; children: Todd (Lori) of Buffalo, Patrick of West Des Moines, IA, and Gennifer “Gigi” Bliss of Springfield; grandchildren: Dalton Bliss, Sam Anderson, Grace, Emma, Lily, Jozie, Kolten, and Kelsey Pingeon; sister Mary Lou Burtzel of Redwood Falls; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  He is preceded in death by his parents, twin granddaughters Brittany and Brianna Bliss, silbings: Clinton Bliss, Wilma Mammen, Bud Bliss, Hazel Pratt, Don Bliss, Bernice Shemon, and Ervie Bliss, and nephews: Jon Bliss, Frank Pratt, and Duane Bliss.

16 thoughts on “Gary Bliss”

  1. Mary Beth Conrad

    We are so sorry for your loss. We always enjoyed hearing Patrick talk about his father. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.
    Larry and Mary Beth Conrad

  2. Chris and Amanda Gartner

    So very sorry for your loss. He was a great man!! Heaven gained an amazing angel! God Bless you all during this difficult time.

  3. My deepest sympathies Aunt Lorna and cousins Gigi, Patrick and Todd and to my Grandmother Mary Lou. Rest in Peace Uncle Gary, you will be missed.

  4. Garys presence in the bus garage will be truly missed! My granddaughter Zora said he’s the best driver “ever”, she really loved him and will truly miss him! strength and peace to all who loved him, allow God to take your sorrow and loss and guide you through your down times…allow those who love you to help you through these sorrowful times…allow people to be there for you! God Bless!!!

  5. I will miss Gary he was the best bus driver ever and he will always remain in my heart

    from:Zora Newberg

  6. We all will miss Gary. He was like the sun coming up in the morning, you knew when he would walk into the lunchroom. That ‘Twinkle’ in his eye when he made a joke and that smile was infectious. Gary was a joy to be around for all the drivers and his friends. Gary & I put many, many miles on together in the coaches and he was a natural born driver, careful, conscientious, and he made people feel safe riding with him. For seventeen years, Gary Transported thousands of children to and from school, they were ‘his kids’ and he looked out for them. All of this happened so suddenly and its hard to realize he is gone. Our thoughts and prayers are with Lorna and the family. As someone said earlier that: “The best driver is now in heaven” is very true. Rest in Peace.

  7. Terry & Linda Marguth

    We are truly sorry to see and hear of Gary’s passing. A true friend that I will always remember. God bless all of you in your time of sorrow. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

  8. Joe & Channing Thielen

    Gary was a great man and we will all miss him dearly. He was a man you could always count on and we enjoyed being around Gary. He will be missed by us, all of Gary’s fellow coworkers at Thielen Bus Lines and all of the children he transported safely to & from school for many years. Everything happens so fast…. Prayers to Lorna and family.

  9. Mary Kay Kerkhoff

    My Sympathy to Lorna & Family! I was so surprised to see Gary had passed away. He will be missed by many, including me. Blessed be his memory.
    Mary Kay

  10. Camille Murphy

    Hugs and Prayers sent across the miles to the entire Bliss Family. So sorry. Never adequate words.
    – Kevin, Camille, Sean, Brendan, Monica & Benjamin Murphy

  11. Ron and Mary L. Revier

    To Lorna and family, Our Deepest Sympathy to all of you. Gary was a Special guy who will be missed by many.
    He had that Special smile when you saw him you couldn’t help but smile back. Rest In Peace Gary.

  12. Sorry about your loss, brought back many bygone memories..
    Gray was one of only 4 boys who graduated from the 8th grade in the old Seaforth MN school.
    the others were Dick Atkins, Duane Zimmer and me.

  13. I’m so sorry Lorna and family! I have wonderful memories of him at the Vfw when I was working. He will be greatly missed!

  14. Lorna and family,
    Sorry I wasn’t able to attend Gary’s Services, he’s been in our thoughts and prayers.
    Fondly remember Gary, his brother-in-laws, Uncles and other relatives at the Woelfel Picnics. Fit like a glove and along with being a straight up guy he loved to have some fun.

    Love ya,

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