Gary Duane Toftely

Gary Duane Toftely, born January 27, 1938, in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2024, surrounded by family. He was the son of Maurice L. and Beryl A. (Ebersviller) Toftely.

Gary grew up in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, enjoying an outdoor life of hunting, fishing, and skiing. His family moved to Riverton, Wyoming, in 1954, and he graduated from Riverton High School in 1956. He earned an Honor Scholarship to attend the University of Wyoming, majoring in Industrial Management and participating in Army ROTC. He later transferred to Montana State University, earning his Bachelor of Science in 1961 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Ordnance Corps.

In 1962, Gary began active duty, serving 18 months in Germany with the 8th Infantry Division. There, he met his future wife, Hannelore Palzer. They married in 1964 in Waldorf, Luxembourg, then moved to the U.S., eventually settling in Butte, Montana.

The family relocated to Virginia in 1965, where Gary began a long federal career. He worked as a management analyst, operations research analyst, and mathematical statistician. He earned a master’s degree from George Washington University in 1971 and later studied at MIT through a federal advanced study program. His work contributed to national defense efforts.

In 1984, Gary transferred to Minnesota with the Defense Contract Administration Services. The family settled in Prior Lake, and Gary retired in 1998. In 2001, he and Hannelore built a cabin on family land in Minnesota. He also worked part-time for Intertek Testing Services for 15 years.

A dedicated community member, Gary served on the board of trustees and as treasurer and moderator for the First Congregational Church in Pelican Rapids. He was treasurer for the Lakeview Cemetery Association and a proud member of the American Legion and Disabled American Veterans.

Gary was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his children, Nora Toftely-Loken (Darrin), Thrond Toftely (Michelle), and Thorstein Toftely (Gina); sisters Penny Kempfertt (Al) and Kathy Farmer (Jerry); and grandchildren Nathaniel, Nicholas, Allison, Quinn, Ada, and Chloe. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Hannelore, and brothers, Allen and Leonard Toftely.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 24, at 11:00 AM at Larson Funeral and Cremation Service in Pelican Rapids, MN. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lake View Cemetery Association in his honor.

Gary’s legacy of service, love, and integrity will be remembered by all who knew him.