Gary B. Revier

Gary B. Revier

Gary RevierGary B. Revier age 67 of Redwood Falls passed away unexpectedly at his home on Friday December 20, 2013.  Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, December 26 at the Redwood Valley High School gymnasium.  There will be no visitation.  Following the service, military honors will be provided by the Redwood Falls VFW Post 2553 and American Legion Melvin Daskam Post 38.  Burial will take place at a later date in the Redwood Falls Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local food shelf in Gary’s memory.  Stephens Funeral Service – Redwood Valley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Gary B. Revier was born December 18, 1946 in Redwood Falls, Minnesota to Albert “Bert” and Delores A. (Berberick) Revier.  Gary graduated from Redwood Falls High School in 1964.  He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and the day after graduation, he left for boot camp.  Gary served two tours of duty in Vietnam as an aerial reconnaissance photographer and air crewman aboard helicopters flying off the USS Hornet Aircraft Carrier.  Following his service, Gary returned to Redwood Falls where he started working in the family business, Revier Tire Centers.  At 23 years old, Gary ran for City Council and won, becoming the youngest person to ever serve on the Redwood Falls City Council.  He later went on to be the youngest person ever to serve as Mayor of Redwood Falls, and has served multiple terms, an office he was serving in to the day of his death.  Gary was always very involved in the community.  He served on the school board and was involved in the decision to build a new school building, community center, hockey rink, and field house.  Gary was also the Chamber of Commerce Director and President, Bank Director, Public Utilities Commissioner, as well as many other positions.  He was a signature part of major city accomplishments: construction of a new City Hall and Fire Station, renovations to the aesthetics of the downtown area, improvements to Ramsey Park, new water and sewer lines and a new water treatment facility, and the addition of nine holes to the golf course. In 1982, he was named one of Minnesota’s Ten Outstanding Young Minnesotans.  In 1988, Gary married Nancy Carlson at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Redwood Falls.  Following Gary’s retirement, he developed a passion for serving at the local Food Shelf, studying genealogy, and photography.  He was widely known as Redwood Falls’ Historian and countless people enjoyed his vintage photograph collections and presentations.  Gary was proud of his title of Author, and he had plans for writing a second book in the near future.  He loved his family, and especially loved time spent with his children, grandchildren and great-granddaughter.  Gary loved all animals, especially his dogs, who he loved taking for car rides.  He served with the local honor guard at countless area veterans’ funerals, and was a fixture of the yearly Memorial Day and Veterans Day observances in the community.

Gary is survived by his wife, Nancy; children: John (Jani) Revier of Meridian, ID, Carmen (Thomas) Wenner of New Ulm, and Jeremiah Dagel of Cottage Grove; grandchildren: Tabia and Joseph Goodthunder, Jack and Tessa Wenner, Sam and Kate Revier; great-granddaughter Brielle Mae Green; siblings: Ron (Mary) Revier of Willmar, Sandy (Greg) Loftus of Redwood Falls, and Julie (Charlie) Chmelar of Redwood Falls; parents-in-law Orville and Yolanda Carlson of Redwood Falls; aunts: Donna Revier March of Belview, Georgiane Berberick of New Ulm, and Iva Berberick of Arlington, MN; and many other relatives and friends.  He is preceded in death by his parents.

50 thoughts on “Gary B. Revier”

    1. To all of Gary’s family –

      Enjoyed seeing Gary at state meetings and conferences. Good man, very well respected among the other elected officials. May you all be blessed with peace, and be comforted in knowing God’s promise of eternal life.

      Shawn Mason
      Former Mayor of International Falls MN

  1. josef murad & susan windey

    Gary, You left us all behind far to soon, may you rest in peace until we see you again on the other side..

  2. Andrea (Olson) Gerth

    I am so sorry to hear of such a great man. He was great to my mom when we lived in Redwood and showed deep compassion to my mom when my father passed away, It is a great loss to not only his family but the entire community.

  3. Larry (Griz) Weber

    Fellow Viet Nam Veteran and Friend, Gary .. Blaze a trail for the rest of us into the next world. We will see you again one day. To the Family of Gary Revier my sincere and heartfelt condolensces to all of you. Gary will be missed by so many people and communities. May God welcome him into his Kingdom.

  4. RIP dear friend and neighbor. Always remember the day we moved into our house on Ramsey Street, and you and your family just walked over and helped our family move in all of our “stuff.” It was dark when we finished. Your John and our Bill instantly became friends for life. We are thankful for all of that and everything else you have contributed to this city. We extend our condolences and deepest sympathy to your family from ours at this dfficult time……keeping in mind that we will see you again. Sincerely with prayers, Jan & Gene

  5. Tammy (Perez) LaTurco-Pitzl

    All that is good, is what you were. Because of that, you have left so many of us with such a loss. No one ever questioned your sincerity. You may be gone physically, but what you were, will be remembered and will live on. Many Prayers for your Family and for those of us who were honored to call you “Friend”. See you later, Gary and RIP.

  6. Nancy, So sorry to hear about Gary. He was a great asset to the community. I will have family home, so don’t think I will be able to attend the funeral Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.

  7. Vilas & Gail Van Slooten

    Often times we wonder what kind of a “footprint” we will leave behind. Gary not only left a big one…but several. One only needs to read the tributes to see that here was a man that helped many in their time of need and truly had a love for his country. It was a pleasure to have known him and an honor to call him a friend. I hope you will find some comfort knowing how many lives he touched and will continue to with all that he has done.

  8. Todd and Patty Amberg

    So shocked to hear about Gary. I first met Gary 25 years ago when I worked at the bank. We had one of our Christmas parties at his house. We laughed and had so much fun. Sorry for your loss! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!

  9. Jeff Munsell & Family

    Heartfelt condolences to Nancy, Carmen and John, Sandy, Ron and Julie and families.

    “CUZ” I will miss your quick laugh and laid back demeanor. .

  10. Dave & Christine (Muenchow) Palmer

    All of Gary’s family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. God Bless.

  11. Linda & Rich Sullivan

    Gary was a wealth of historical information. He will be sadly missed by many who relied on him for area information. Our condolences to Nancy and all of his family. God Bless you all.

  12. Barbara (Hindermann) Thibedeau

    Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of Gary’s family and friends. May God bring you peace and comfort in this time.

  13. Gary was a wonderful human being who served his country with Pride.
    I only had short visits with Gary in the Willmar area.
    HE was a gentleman who paid attention to what was important in life.
    He left his positive love for Country and Community with me.
    Jim L. Dokken, USAF Retired

  14. Our sympathy to Nancy and to to all of Gary’s family and many friends and also to the Redwood Falls Community.
    Gary was a wonderful and dedicated public servant and a true believer in building a better community.
    We all share in your loss and mourn his passing.

    Dave Smiglewski
    Granite Falls Mayor

  15. Jeff & Linda Revier, also IA. & NC boys

    Nancy and family, we were shocked to hear about Cuz. I am so glad I reconnected with Gary and the rest of the Revier family about 10 years ago. When my mom passed away I returned to Redwood for her funeral. I went out to the golf course and found Gary running the tournament. He suggested I should come back and play in the Redwood Invitational, which I have done for the past 10 years. Some friends from Iowa and North Carolina also have made the trip. Even though Cuz won’t be there next year, we all plan on returning. I know he will be looking down on us on the first tee, probably hoping we top or duck hook our first drive into the trees. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
    I almost forgot, Cuz you owe me $10 from the Viking-Panther game.

  16. Our sympathy to Nancy and to all of Gary’s family and many friends and also to the Redwood Falls Community.
    Gary was a wonderful and dedicated public servant and a true believer in building a better community.
    We all share in your loss and mourn his passing.

    Dave Smiglewski
    Granite Falls Mayor

  17. Jeff & Linda Revier, also IA. & NC boys

    Nancy and family, we were all shocked to hear about Gary. When I retuned to Redwood about 10 yeas ago for my mom’s funeral I reconnected with Gary and many of the Revier family. Gary was running the Redwood Invitational golf tournament and suggested I should come and play the following year. Some friends from Iowa and North Carolina have made the trip the last 10 years to play in the tournament. Even though Cuz won’t be there next year we all plan on returning. I know Cuz will be looking down on us on the first tee probably hoping we top or duck hook our drive into the trees. You are all in our prayers and thoughts.
    I almost forgot, Cuz you owe me $10 from the Viking – Panther game

  18. Donna Beernink Gunderson-Rogers

    We will all miss him terribly. He gave to many of us, through his
    pictures and newsletters, the chance to live in Redwood Falls
    a second time. May he rest in peace.

    Donna Gunderson-Rogers

  19. Terry & Holly Weilage

    Nancy, we were so sorry to hear the news about Gary. He was a great, caring man.
    You and Gary are both very important people to the Weilage Family. Our prayers are with you.

  20. Barbara (Goebel) Brock

    Gary was a kind and generous man who touched many lives. His photos and history lessons provided a “link to home” for many of us who grew up in Redwood Falls. He will be missed! My condolences to Nancy and his children, grandchildren, and extended family.

  21. I knew Gary for the past decade or so as our starter at the Redwood Falls Invitational. However, he was so much more. He was more of an Ambassador for the tournament. Gary understood how very much we enjoyed coming to Redwood each year. He kept us, except the Smith boys, in the same flight, because he knew what great fun that created for us. He was always willing to share in a quick joke or prank. Above all, he was always a gentleman, a real class act. He will be dearly missed.

    J Cumming- “Dr. Longball”

  22. We were so shocked to hear of Gary’s death, and deeply saddened for the loss to his family, friends and community. On Wednesday, December 18 he spent part of his birthday with us at First United Methodist Church bringing us one of his Redwood Area Heritage presentations as the program for our Annual Christmas Dinner. He was having such a good time telling all the neat stories along with the photos. He said, “I don’t want to keep you too long, but if you would like to see a short love story of the Gilfillin’s, I can quickly pull it up.” We all wanted him to show it – and he did! At one point he popped into the kitchen for a few minutes and we talked about the food shelf. He was a loyal and dedicated servant of Redwood Falls. Who will step forward and fill these big shoes? Our sincere thoughts and prayers go to his family.

  23. Alice (Eichhorn) Lee

    I want to send my thoughts and prayers to Gary’s family and friends. I was shocked to hear about Gary’s passing. He was one of a kind and will be missed by so many. He had a way of touching everyone that he came in contact with. I’l never forget going to a few local horse shows with him when Carmen showed horses. He also had a wonderful sense of smell. When I’d be baking at my parent’s (Motel 71), he’d smell the fresh baked bread or peach pie when he was at work and stop by for coffee. It was always fun visiting with him. He will be greatly missed.

  24. Our prayers go out to Nancy and family I we shock to hear of the passing of my friend Gary.He was a great man that took the time talk with you when he seen you a the street. God must of need a great mayor up in heaven. To Nancy you are the best my heart go’s out to you if you need anything just call we are hear for you

  25. My condolences to nancy and family, ronnie, sandy, julie and their families. Gary’s parents and my parents go way back as friends and fellow campers. Gary stayed in touch with my mom and dad (russell & evelyn beasley). Dad talked freqently of gary’s accomplisments and especially the historial pictures (the old family gas station) that he would bring over to them. My hometown community has lost a very special person. Janis beasley field

  26. My thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to Mayor Gary Revier’s family. He will be greatly missed. He was always kind and friendly; quick to give a hug. An awesome servant of the people. He inspired me to go into politics and be there for the people. Always there to pay respect to a fallen comrade. A champion of bringing people together. I, being from Lower Sioux, very much appreciate the support he had for our Dakota people. Much love to you all. Thank you Gary for all you did for the people, all the people. May your journey home be an easy one. Rest In Peace, Gary. Mita Kuye Owasin <3

    Love, Lori Nelson

  27. When I was a foreign exchanged student (from Brazil) at the old RFHS in 1970, Mr. Ben Broberg took me to his store office where I received the Future Farmers of America’s jacket from Mr. Gary Revier. I have Ne Er forget that.
    My condolences to the family.

  28. Mary Jane Laughlin McConnell

    Was so sad to see that such a unique man passed away so suddenly. Always enjoyed his wonderful stories and photos about Redwood Falls. Did make up a neat scrapbook on Redwood Falls. Much admired his contributions to our home town. Saw him briefly at the local Country Club when our class of ’63 gathered for 50 year reunion in Sept. Was so delighted to see him. Am sure that such an honest giving man will be rewarded in Heaven. My heart goes out to his family. Sincerely Mary Jane Laughlin McConnell

  29. Sympathy to all. Gary was an outstanding person. He provided a remarkable service by sharing the photos and info about the Redwood Community. Take Care.

  30. My family sends our prayers and condolences to Gary’s family. I will never forget the friendliness Gary showed to a young kid that always seemed to be walking down the block to spend the day at his house with John and Carmen. And then years later being such a kind and remarkably compassionate man, always taking the time to stop and visit sometimes even just for a minute, but always genuinely asking about the family. I am sorry for your loss. Just remember, after the pain subsides a bit… he will now be just a thought/prayer away…closer to you than ever. Deuce

  31. Scott & Alix Nichols

    Nancy and family, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. We’re thinking of you during this sad time. We were so lucky to have known Gary and he will be missed. Make sure you and Jer hug each other for us. Let us know if you need anything at all. Take care, Alix, Scott and Isabella

  32. Jeff & Linda Revier

    We were shocked to hear about Gary. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Revier family. All the Iowa and North Carolina boys will return for 10th trip to Redwood Falls Invitational. Gary was the big reason we have continued to support the tournament. I’am sure he will be looking down on the first tee this year probably hoping we top or hook our first shot into the trees. God bless you Cuz, we will all miss you.

  33. I was shocked to hear about Gary and I’ll miss seeing him for coffee once in a while. I’m sorry I missed the funeral, but I’m in Wood Dale. I know he will be greatly missed by everyone. We lost a great treasure.

  34. I will miss you even though our talk was but 30 minutes. Back in june I was home and bought the home on 411 south jefferson st. I had called you to find out you had once lived their and were able to tell me history of the house and the original residents. I wish I would have been able to meet you and hear more.

  35. Gary R. Woodford

    Dear Mrs. Revier (Nancy) and Family:

    I was very saddened to learn of Gary’s death this month through my wife, Sandi, as she was checking the Redwood Gazette online for another obituary. Gary and I played together as children growing up in Redwood. In 8th grade my parents moved and I finished school and graduated from Wabasso High. After college I moved to the Washington, DC area and so we had little contact except when I would return to Redwood with my family to visit my parents. On those occasions I would stop in at the Firestone shop and just chat with Gary and say Hi. He was always so gracious and friendly making me feel welcome in the midst of his work. I think the thing that drew me to want to always stop in and say Hi was who he was—a person who always had time for anyone, who exhibited a loving heart, and who always made people feel good because of who he was – a loving person. I could go on about him and the brief visits that I had with him, but suffice to say he is with our Lord in Heaven enjoying the presence of God. Please accept my sympathy and I pray that God will continue to comfort you and your family through this time. I am sorry I never got the opportunity to meet you. If it’s not too much trouble please let me know that you received this. God bless, Gary Woodford, 703-554-4652, [email protected].

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