Gary Mclaughlin

Gary Dee McLaughlin

Age 81, passed away surrounded by the love of his family on November 20, 2022 in Oak Park Heights, MN.

He was born to Dee and Darlene (Etzbach) McLaughlin on September 15, 1941 in Mendota, IL. He was raised in Paw Paw, IL 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, IL where they raised their family until moving to Oak Park Heights, MN in 2018.

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, WI, and a month during the winter with Jacki in Gulf Shores, AL. He also enjoyed reading, walks with his dog Snickers and was a member of People’s Congregational Church in Bayport, MN 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.

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

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

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