Gary Rosenboom

GARY LEE ROSENBOOM arrived on October 13, 1941 to Elmer and Dorothy (Baumgard) Rosenboom on the Rentschler farm in Graham Lake Township in Nobles County, MN. From the beginning Gary was the teddy bear of the family. He spent his early childhood surrounded by his parents, grandmother, aunts and uncles. He especially had close relationships with his uncle, Johnnie and aunties, June and Norma.

The Rosenboom family moved to Pipestone, MN in 1946. Gary started school in Pipestone. Gary spent the years in Pipestone helping Hans and Faye Jensen at their candy shop. The family then moved to northern Pipestone County where Gary attended Verdi Public School after the fifth grade until his graduation in 1960. During that time, he created lifelong friendships. One particular friendship with Carolyn Bebensee grew into a love that lasted a lifetime.

After graduation, Gary attended Worthington Junior College for two years. During that time, he started driving bus for Kaufmans Bus Service. That job started him on a 50+ year love affair with bus driving.

On March 9, 1963, Gary and Carolyn Bebensee were united in marriage at Peace Evangelical & Reformed Church in Elkton, SD. They moved to Mankato, MN after their marriage. Gary went to work for the Mankato City Bus Line. During their time in Mankato, three of their children were born, Cary Lee in 1963, Camilla Ann in 1966, and Tracey Lynn in 1967.

In 1969, Gary, Carolyn and the kids moved back to Verdi to the farm down the road from Carolyn’s parents. Their house became a home away from home for all who entered it. Gary started farming in 1969 and continued until retiring in 2009. Their final child, Torey Alan was born in 1970. In 1986, Gary went to work for the David Fruechte family driving tractors and fixing things. He truly enjoyed the many hours spent working for them.

Gary started again driving school bus for Verdi Public School and later Lake Benton Public School. As he drove generations of children, he would make each child feel special while with him. Wherever he went “his bus kids” would meet him with a smile, hugs and a little bit of teasing.

Gary was baptized into the Christian faith at Trinity Lutheran Church in Brewster in November, 1941. Gary grew in his faith and was confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Pipestone on June 17, 1956. Gary, Carolyn and family joined St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lake Benton on their returning to Verdi. Gary loved Jesus and his church. He served in so many positions over the years, including Sunday school teacher, serving on the Church Council and Cemetery board, and as a member of the men’s club. He was still faithfully serving as Vice President of the church council at his passing.

Gary also enjoyed serving others in the community. He was President of the Verdi Sportsman’s Club for years, served on the Verdi School board, Verdi Community Club, Verdi Township board, and was a 4-H Club Leader. One of his favorite organizations was the Lincoln County Fair Board where he served for decades as Vice President and President. Jack Delaney and Gary riding in the golf cart around the grounds is a treasured memory for yearly goers.

Gary loved his grandchildren passionately. With the arrival of Michelle, his heart was stolen again and again as Stephanie, Aidan, Logan, Kaitlyn and Emily became Grandpa’s favorites. He loved nothing more than to spend time with them.

Gary loved all of the people who came into his life. His heart was always big enough to add one more new friend or family member to love. With a smile on his face and a laugh in his heart, he would always have a comeback comment and a teasing statement to let the person know that he cared. His love was unconditional and freely given. When he wasn’t spending time with family and friends, he was making puzzles, reading westerns, fishing, listening to country music and woodworking.

It is with great sorrow and love in our hearts that the family of Gary announces his passing from this earthly life to heavenly glory on Saturday, February 2, 2013 at Tyler Health Care Center in Tyler, MN at the age of 71 years, three months and 19 days.

Gary is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn; his children, Cary Rosenboom of Verdi, MN, Camilla “Cami” Fath of Verdi, MN, Tracey and Ivan Kuhlman of Ruthton, MN, and Torey and Lisa Rosenboom of Marshall, MN. His precious grandchildren, Michelle, Stephanie, Aidan, Logan, Kaitlyn and Emily. His siblings, Kathy Otto of Hugo, MN, Roger and Judy Rosenboom of West Bend, WI, Lois Wakefield of Apple Valley, MN, and Dawn Rosenboom of Fitchburg, WI. His godson, Mark Harberts, his aunts and uncles, his very special nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews, cousins, friends and of course his many special “bus kids”.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Dorothy Rosenboom; his in-laws, Harry and Lillian Bebensee; his granddaughter, Tiffany Kuhlman; his son-in-law, Bill Fath; his brother-in-law, Wally Otto; and his grandparents.