Gary Ray Cagle

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Cagle, Gary Ray St. Paul, MN Gary Cagle was born August 21, 1938 in Missouri and died on June 18, 2018 just shy of his 80th birthday. He will be greatly missed by his many friends and family - Sally Cagle his wife of 55 years, Catherine Cagle his daughter, Theo Kindermans his son-in-law, and Iris Charvat his sister-in-law. A Celebration of Gary's Life will be held on Thursday, June 21st at 1:00pm, at Michael Servetus Unitarian Society, 6565 Oakley Drive NE, Fridley, Minnesota. Gary grew up in the small town of Aledo, Illinois where his parents Robert Cagle and Lois Cagle were very active in their rural community and instilled that value of 'giving back' in their son, who was the light of their life. After Gary graduated from Aledo High School, he attended Monmouth College where he received his undergraduate degree and met Sally Cagle whom he fell in love with and married. They both pursed their graduate education in Bloomington, Indiana, and where Gary did his doctoral work in philosophy. He had taught classes at Kansas State University, Indiana University and Grinnell College. Gary had a curious and creative mind, always seeking new knowledge and eager to apply and share that discovery with others. He was a joyful person whose excitement was contagious. He both loved music and art while being talented in both areas himself. He was a gifted teacher who was very happy teaching classes ranging from a university computer class, a new technology/software for a corporate client or reading a good book to the youngest members at the Unitarian fellowship. He loved teaching watching for that 'ah-ha' moment and applying his wit and good humor made learning fun and interesting regardless of the topic. At Indiana University he transformed from the Philosophy Department to newly forming computer laboratory connected. It was there he discovered computer pro-graming by working in the lab learning to programs on punch cards before switching to the first interactive touch screen personal computer called 'Plato.' He was on the cusp of the evolving new field of computer technology and he eventually left Indiana University to pursue a computer teaching and development in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota, where he worked for Control Data and later his own consulting business. Gary's love of computers was topped only by his love of family and friends. Gary and Sally loved taking road trips, camping and bird watching together. Many of their trips involved following specific migratory birds and provided some amazing road trips. They also enjoyed trips to South Africa, Alaska, Europe, Canada and most recently Ireland. Gary was a man who could not pass a historic marker on the way without stopping to read it. He loved bicycling, especially to Al's Breakfast in Dinkytown and shared the joy of bicycling with his daughter Catherine. Gary believed in giving back to his community. He was a member of Michael Servetus Unitarian Society since 1976 serving the fellowship, doing what was needed. He also delivered Meals on Wheels and was an AARP Senior Tax Preparer. Gary Cagle lived a happy and full life; he will be greatly missed.

Published on June 24, 2018