Gary Hildahl
October 18, 1956 — July 11, 2025
Gary Hildahl, age 68, died at home in Granite Falls, Minnesota on Friday, July 11, 2025. Graveside Service will be Friday, July 18, 2025, from 1:00 PM at the Granite Falls City Cemetery.
Gary Dean Hildahl was born on October 18, 1956, in Granite Falls, Minnesota the son of Odell and Violet (Huseby) Hildahl. He attended school in Granite Falls and then enlisted in the United States Air Force on October 31, 1974. Gary became a heavy equipment operator and diesel mechanic while in service. He was honorably discharged on January 19, 1977. He furthered his education at MN West Technical College first getting a degree in Professional Sales and then Graphic Designs.
Gary married JoAnn Hagen on September 1, 1979, at Rock Valle Lutheran Church in Echo, Minnesota. Together they were blessed with three children, Shane, Jackie and Bradly. He was proud of his trade and was a printer for the Granite Falls Tribune and later worked at Schwan’s.
Gary enjoyed fishing, gardening and woodworking. If his interest in a subject was ignited, he would research it thoroughly and then share his knowledge with others, having a knack for teaching. One of these interests was medicinal cannabis and Gary investigated the science of the different types and specific traits of each species which helped him select a plant specific to his needs. But the apple of his eye and beat of his heart were his two grandsons. He never said no them, taught them to fish, and bought and fixed up bikes for each of them.
Gary is survived by the mother of his children, JoAnn Hildahl of Moorhead; daughter, Jackie (Randy) Klefsaas of Moorhead; son, Brad Hildahl of Dilworth; grandsons, Lucas and Harrison Klefsaas; mother, Violet Lunde of Granite Falls; siblings, Bruce Hildahl of Starbuck, Julie Elsing of Belview, Joan (Mike) Lamb of Marshall; as well as other relatives and friends.
Gary is preceded in death by his father, Odell; son, Shane; brothers, Lonnie and Wayne; brother-in-law, Dan Elsing.
Condolences may be mailed to the funeral home who will forward to the family.
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