Gary Paul Schuster

Gary Paul Schuster, age 72, of Owatonna, Minnesota passed to the loving arms of Jesus on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital after complications of respiratory illness. He was born November 14, 1951 in Lincoln, Nebraska to Roy and June (Snyder) Schuster.

Gary graduated from Gretna High School in Gretna, Nebraska in 1970. He enlisted in the Navy August 8, 1971 in Omaha Nebraska, serving in Vietnam on the USS Blakely in the Tonkin Bay as a gunners mate. He was discharged September 11, 1974. Gary was a lifetime member of the American Legion and VFW and enjoyed spending time with his friends at the American Legion.

After leaving the service Gary attended Nebraska Technical school for construction electrician. For a few years he worked as an electrician in Nebraska and Minnesota.

On November 21, 1987 Gary married his best friend and partner, Evelyn, in Owatonna. They made their home in Owatonna.

Gary enjoyed bowling, reading, and online games.

He is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Evelyn (Federly) Schuster; an estranged son by a previous marriage; a sister, Cheryl (Jeff) Gilliland of Glenwood, Iowa; a nephew, JT Gilliland of Omaha, Nebraska; and niece, Carrie Johnson of Nebraska.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a niece, Kimmie Andre.

A Celebration of Life for Gary and Evelyn will be held Friday, February 28, 2025 from 5pm - 7pm with a brief prayer service at 6:30pm at St. John Lutheran Church, 1301 Lincoln Ave. SE, Owatonna, MN. Private family interment at Owatonna Memorial Gardens at a later date.

Memorials may be sent to any Veterans Service organizations or the American Cancer Society.