Gary John Balmer

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Balmer Gary John, 57, of Fifty Lakes and Dunedin Florida went to rest at his home in Dunedin July 6, 2005. Gary was born May 11th in Mpls, MN to Don and Mary Balmer. Raised in Richfield MN where he graduated from high school in 1966. After graduating Gary joined the Navy and served with the Navy Sea-Bees in Vietnam and was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal. After his discharge Gary worked in the construction field in the Twin Cities and then moved to Crosslake with his wife Pricilla and their two sons Matt and Jeff. Gary and Pricilla bought the Crosslake Bakery with friends Jim and Darlene Hanson. The Bakery became the Bread Box with Gary known for his Wild Rice Bread. After selling the Bread Box Gary went back in the construction business working for Wes Hanson Construction. When Gary's sons Matt and Jeff started their own business, Lonesome Cottage Furniture, Gary went to work with his sons making handcrafted furniture, railings and mantels. For the past three years Gary and his wife Deborah have been buying and remodeling homes for re-sale. Gary coached Little League Baseball and Hockey in Bloomington and continued to coach in youth programs after his move to Crosslake. Gary is survived by his wife of ten years, Deborah of Fifty Lakes, MN and Dunedin, FL; sons Matt (Renee) of Backus, Jeff of Pine River; sisters Diane and Robin; brother Don of Cook, MN; stepdaughters, Angie (Jayme) Knapp of Cold Springs, MN, Nicole Hoag and Brian Hansel of Crosslake; grandchildren Kailen, Braeden, Ian, and Sydney. Gary was preceded in death by his parents Don and Mary. Memorial services will be held Wednesday July 13, 2005 at 2 PM at the Crosslake Lutheran Church.

Published on July 10, 2005