Gary Vernon Ehlers

Gary Vernon Ehlers, age 82, of Wheaton, Minnesota passed away Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at his residence in rural Wheaton.

Visitation will be held Saturday, November 1, 2025 from 10:00 a. m. until 11:30 a. m. at the Bainbridge Funeral Home in Wheaton. A closing prayer will be held at 11:30 a.m. with military rites provided by the Merton Dale American Legion Post #80 following the prayer. A meal at the Merton Dale American Legion will follow military rites.

Gary was born on October 9, 1943, to Vernon and Viola (Totzke) Ehlers in Breckenridge, Minnesota. He graduated from Wheaton High School in 1961 and later served in the National Guard as a Demolition Expert.

On December 11, 1965, Gary was united in marriage to Diane Brummond at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Monson Township, rural Wheaton, Minnesota. Gary began farming alongside his father and went on to become a pioneer in organic farming during the 1970s. His efforts led to shipping his grain overseas to countries including Japan, Switzerland, and Germany.

Gary was the kind of man who would drop everything to help someone in need. He had a lifelong passion for hunting and fishing and especially enjoyed bear hunting trips to Grygla, MN with his best friend Dale and family. There they created lifelong friendships with many people, especially Pam, Ralph, Rodney and Sherri.

In 2022, Gary and Joyce Kotesky reunited after both being widowed. Having dated in high school, they found their way back to one another. Joyce was a tremendous blessing in Gary’s life and to Gary’s family; and lovingly cared for him in his final months.

Gary is survived by his partner Joyce Kotesky of Wahpeton, ND; sons: Danny Ehlers of Duncan, AZ; and Stacy (Carrie) Ehlers of Wheaton, MN; brother Darus Ehlers; grandchildren: Dylan (Sarah) Ehlers of Tea, SD; Kelsey Ehlers, of Wheaton, MN; and Jarred Ehlers of Wheaton, MN; great grandchildren: Connor, Autumn, and Vera; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.