WESTBROOK, Minnesota (STPNS) -- Gary C. Pemble

    A private family funeral service for Gary C. Pemble was held.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be given to the Alzheimers Association at the Mayo Clinic.  Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com.

    Gary, 65, of Walnut Grove died Monday, May 21, 2012 at St. John’s Lutheran Home in Springfield after a long battle with Alzheimers.  

    Gary C. Pemble was born in New Avon Township on October 15, 1946 to Glenn C. and Verna C. (Willhite) Pemble.  At the age of 12, he acquired a loving step-father, Frank Benedict.  He was a member of the Walnut Grove Methodist Church. Gary graduated from Walnut Grove High School and then entered the Marines for 4 years, stationed in California.  On August 8, 1965 he was united in marriage to Marlys Elias.  Gary worked for McLaughlin and Schulz Road Construction prior to returning to Walnut Grove to take over the family farm.  He enjoyed playing softball with the 4 T’s and Old Fogies, and was an avid sports fan, enjoying the Vikings, Twins, and Nascar.  Most of all he loved watching his kids playing football, basketball, volleyball, and danceline.  Gary was a member of the Walnut Grove American Legion.  



    Survivors include his wife Marlys; son Curtis Pemble of Mankato; daughters Wendy Fisk of Highlands Ranch, CO and Cynthia (Allen) Diel of Buffalo; 6 grandchildren: Jordan, Alexa, and Peyton Diel, John “Jack” Pemble, and Logan and Adam Fisk; mother-in-law Eileen Elias, uncle Dale Pemble of Walnut Grove, sisters-in-law Carol Pemble of Buffalo and Judy (Fred) Patricelli of Ham Lake; and many nieces and nephews.  

    Preceding him in death were his parents, step-father, brother Melvern and sister Marvella.