OAK PARK HEIGHTS, Minn. – Gary Dee McLaughlin, 81, of Oak Park Heights, Minn., passed away on Nov. 20, 2022, in Oak Park Heights, surrounded by the love of his family.

Arrangements are being handled by Bradshaw Funeral & Cremation Services in Stillwater, MN. Interment will be private.

He was born on Sept. 15, 1941, in Mendota, to Dee and Darlene (Etzbach) McLaughlin. He was raised in Paw Paw, as was his wife of 55 years, Jacqueline (Jacki) Wheeler. They were married on June 22, 1963 and spent 55 years together until Jacki’s passing in 2019. They lived in Sycamore, where they raised their family until moving to Oak Park Heights, Minn., in 2018.

He is survived by his three daughters and sons-in-law, Michelle and Jim Bohlig, of Lake Elmo, Minn., Gay Lynn and Tim Wons of Naperville, and Megan and Tom Petit, North Myrtle Beach, S.C.; eight grandchildren, McKenzie and Matthew Bohlig, Lauren, Lindsay, Ryan and Alex Wons, Baylie and Nate Petit.

Gary managed Miller News Agency in DeKalb for many years where employees became like family. He also worked for the Illinois Toll Authority for 20 years. After his retirement, he worked at American National Bank in Sycamore.

He enjoyed spending time with his family at the McCompound on Lake Camelot in Nekoosa, Wis., and a month during the winter with Jacki in Gulf Shores, Ala. He also enjoyed reading, walks with his dog Snickers and was a member of People’s Congregational Church in Bayport, Minn., where he served on the finance committee. His tough exterior could hide his soft inside, and if he gave you a hard time it meant he liked you.

If you would like to donate in his memory, please consider Stillwater Minn. Library at stillwaterlibrary.org or Health Partners Hospice of Bloomington, Minn., at healthpartners.com.