1943 – Gary Russell Muecke – 2018
Gary Muecke was born on December 23, 1943, in Slayton Minnesota to Walter and Madeline Holm Muecke. Gary was the fourth child and grew up alongside his six siblings, Ronald, Walter, Sharon, Orin, Dennis, and Trudy. Gary grew up and attended school in Slayton. Gary met Dottie Suter soon after high school and the two were married on February 11, 1961. Gary was drafted into the Army in 1966. He did basic training in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. From there he was stationed in Fort Riley, Kansas. In April 1967 Gary was stationed in Vietnam serving in the 137th Engineer LE Company -18th Engineer Brigade Tam Quan, returning home in January 1968. Gary and Dottie made their home in Slayton where they welcomed their three children, Lory, Gary Jr., and Chad. Gary started his own excavating business and operated that until 1983 when he went to work for the City of Slayton. Gary retired from the City of Slayton in 2003 and then in 2004 went to work for his cousin, Brett at R.A. Muecke Sand & Gravel. He fully retired from work in 2012 due to health reasons. Gary passed away at his home on Thursday, December 27, 2018, at the age of 75. After his retirement, he found many of his former Army buddies and enjoyed sharing emails and visits. Throughout his life, Gary enjoyed spending time with family. Gary was passionate about racing, The Tightend Club, Old Timmers softball, the Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. Gary was an instrumental part in the history of the Murray County Speedway in Slayton. He helped form the MCRA and helped reopen the track in 1992. Racing was of high importance throughout his life. Gary raced from 1962-1979 and then owned and managed a racecar from 1979 to 2008.
Gary is survived by his wife Dottie Muecke, Slayton, MN; two Sons: Gary Muecke Jr., Slayton, MN and Chad and Valerie Muecke, Fulda, MN; nine grandchildren: Bradley Danneman, Leanna and Shilo Herrmann, Hope and Tyson DeKam, Chris Muecke, Jerimy Muecke, Dalton Muecke, Taya Schultz, Lane Muecke, and Shelby Muecke; three great-grandchildren: Eleanor DeKam, Talia Meyeraan and Madison Danneman; five siblings and their spouses: Walter Muecke Jr., Slayton, MN, Sharon and Robert Schultz, Westbrook, MN, Orin and Sue Muecke, Plymouth, MN, Dennis Muecke, Slayton, MN and Trudy and Bob Biegler, Iona, MN; one sister-in-law Marlene Muecke, Slayton, MN and many nieces, nephews and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Lory Ann; infant grandsons: Brandon Danneman and Levi Muecke; one brother Ronald Muecke; mother-in-law Nelli Pamble and many aunts and uncles.
Memorial Services were held at Christ Lutheran Church in Slayton, MN on Friday, January 4, 2019, at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Grant Fischer officiating. The organist was Theresa Nysevold with special music by Nikki Cheskie. The honorary pallbearers were his grandchildren. Interment was a Slayton Memorial Gardens in Slayton, MN. Military honors accorded by the Slayton VFW Post and the American Legion Post. Totzke Funeral Home of Slayton was entrusted with arrangements. To send condolences visit totzkefuneralhome.com
