"Cory and family, so sorry to hear this. Gary was a good guy and employer. Fond memories of working in the office at fiksdal flowers. Rest in Peace Gary. Take care Cory, Jody Hall"
In loving memory of
Gary Edward Fiksdal
June 17, 1946 - May 6, 2023
Gary E. Fiksdal, 76, passed away surrounded by family on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at his home in Rochester, MN after a lengthy battle with Parkinson's disease.
Gary Edward Fiksdal was born in Rochester, MN on June 17, 1946 to Edward and Atlanta (Bell) Fiksdal. In his youth, Gary was actively involved in Boy Scouts and worked at the family flower shop and hotel (Fiksdal Hotel). He graduated from John Marshal High School in 1965 and went on to attend Rochester Community College where he earned an Associate's Degree of Arts. On July 8, 1967, he married Patricia Worth. The two later divorced. In August of 1967, Gary was drafted to serve in the United States Army. He was enlisted from 1967-1969, serving part of his time in Vietnam. When he returned home, he went to work for Fiksdal Flowers, the family business. After the passing of
his father, Gary owned and operated Fiksdal Flowers until he retired in 2011. On November 3, 2002, Gary married Cory (Bethke) Fast.
After retiring, Gary continued to work part-time at Flowers by Jerry, and at the Hy-Vee Grocery Store where he also volunteered to work in the Nursery, as he loved children. Gary volunteered at his Church teaching Sunday school and driving bus, assisting members to and from Church. He was a mentor in the Big Brothers Program, and was an avid Donor for the Mayo Clinic Blood Donor Program. Gary loved fishing, classic cars, spending the summers at their Alexandria Lake Home with family and friends, and wintering in Mesa Arizona. Family was important to him and he always enjoyed the time he had with them, especially his grandchildren!
Gary is survived by his wife, Cory; his children, Christopher (Lori) Fiksdal of Rochester, MN, Chad (Sabrina) Fiksdal of Winona, MN, Nathan (Carrie) Fast of Tulsa, OK, and Leah (Josh) Majerus of Stacyville, IA; a twin brother Glen (Betsy) Fiksdal of Rochester, MN; Four grandchildren, Logan Fiksdal, Makia Majerus, Ayden Majerus and Wyatt Bergdoff. He is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Atlanta Fiksdal; and sister and brother-in-law, Nancy (Charles) Linville.
Visitation will be Wednesday, May 10, 2023 from 5-7 PM. A Memorial Service will be held at 2 PM on Thursday, May 11, 2023 with visitation one hour prior to the service, both at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes (5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN). Burial will be at a later date.
A special thank you to St. Croix Hospice, VA, and Special Aide, Carly for their help and support through his journey with Parkinson's disease.
Memorials are preferred to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, Wounded Warriors Project, or Christ Community Church.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes is honored to be serving the Fiksdal family; to share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.
Tributes
"My thoughts are with you both today ? Chris and Chad "
"Cory, We are saddened by your loss. We pray that God will give you strength and grant you comfort in your time of bereavement. Steve and Sherrill Kautz "
"I?m sorry sorry about your loss I work with Gary at hyvee when I first started 8 years ago Gary went up and out of his way show me all around the store and then with a smile helped me how to do the job and drive up "
"Gary was a great friend. We met him square danncing and he was always willing to help the club have fun. He and a couple of other guys were always finding fun and the 3 of them pushed the limits several times. Lots of laughs and memories. RIP Gary"
"Cory and Family~
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Gary. My condolences, thoughts and prayers are with you all. Hold tight to those wonderful memories you have to get through this difficult time.
Becky Mangan"
"I've known Gary for 35 years, 1st as a competitor, then as a friend. Rest in Peace my Friend."