Gary was my youth pastor in Junior High and High School at Westgate Chapel. I was just remembering a touching moment in youth and tried to look him up online and came across the sad news. Praying for his wife, kids and family.

Living Rock Church was gracious enough to livestream the service itself on their YouTube channel. Services in Ohio will be May 30th at Westgate Chapel as well. Here’s a link to the livestream: 

https://www.youtube.com/live/Po8LF9dUhQQ?si=rIrAwhgLAW4YF98S

I was hoping to be there to honor Woz’s life and legacy, but my daughter got sick this morning, and I wasn’t able to make it.

For me, his influence has extended far beyond Crown, and has created ripple effects that continue throughout my life. My time at Crown was tumultuous at best, with the only stabilizing force in my life, being Woz’s classes and his belief in me as a “1st round draft pick.” As a young man with no belief in himself, these words got me through some of the most challenging times in my life- knowing that at least one person saw something in me that I never saw in myself. It was these memories of his confidence in me that moved me from suicidal thoughts to a 15+ years in ministry, a wife, and a family, none of which would be possible without his influence.  I will be forever grateful. 

Ben Anderson

Our condolences to those nearest and dearest to Gary.  He was our professor years ago at Crown College.  We remember him as a man of vibrant faith who made everyone smile and made learning fun.  He loved people well with a big love and made every student feel important and special.  We will be praying for God's peace and comfort in the days ahead and that the Spirit would sustain and hold his family during this time of grieving.  

Nathan and Celeste Osmanson

This week, I happened to be looking up professors I had when I went to Crown College back in 2002-2003, and heard of Woz's passing. So sorry for your loss. I distinctly remember the big heart he had for all students, you wanted to learn under Woz because he brought such enthusiasm to his teaching. He had the knack for being very relatable. Condolences to the family as you mourn this loss.

Dearest Family - I grew up next door to the Wozniak home in Toledo on Westmonte Rd.  Gary was my very first childhood playmate.  Our parents were best friends.  Because I was 3 yrs older than Gary I felt very protective of him.  We played together nearly daily until I started school, and he was left behind.  As we grew up, I helped 'roll' his newspapers for his route listening all the while to him announcing fictitious baseball game plays.  At the time he was planning to be a sports announcer!  My Dad often drove us to school in the morning in a Corvair that Gary always begged to purchase 'someday.'  We both moved away after high school and lost touch.  I occasionally learned of his accomplishments through Sharon (she was a friend of my older sister) or Bonnie (Wozniak) Szabo (his cousin, my friend.)  The memory tributes written here honor a most accomplished man.  I am so very sorry to learn of his passing.  Holding your family in my prayers.

I will miss you so much Gary for all the times we talked together in our front yards. You and I shared many wonderful thoughts recently and that I will never forget. I totally lost it when Rhonda told me you had left us. You were a friend like no other. That picnic table will be Cherished, made with your hands of love. Thank you so much for all our memories. Enjoy the love of Christ until we see each other again my brother. ❤️

I’m so sorry to hear this. I have so many wonderful memories of Gary (and the whole Wozniak family) from church growing up. My prayers are with Sheryl, Katie, A.J. and their families. Praying for peace and comfort in the difficult days ahead.

Gary was always an encouragement! Full of smiles! He made the best sub Sandwhiches with his sauce and called my daughter Lydia “  the color of Purple “  and always referenced Jesus! He made everyone feel loved and seen! I wish I could attend however I now live in Mexico but my condolences to the family as you grieve his loss and celebrate that he is with Jesus!

Man! Woz was more than a professor. He was your extended family member. He loved everyone the same & wanted everyone to succeed. I’ll never forget the hockey videos in the computer library, and the big smile he’d have walking down the hallways. After I left Crown I regularly thought of him & wished I could get in touch. Sad to hear he passed. Heaven gained a real stud.

I met Gary while driving bus, he took a group of students from Crown College and we went to Mall of America. Gary talked the whole way there and back to me as I drove, some years later Gary came to the bus company and applied to drive and boy what a ride that was!!! Gary had a knack for quickly making a song out of just about anyone’s name or just a comment! I don’t believe anyone could find a more humerus person. His knowledge of the Bible was amazing! 

Rest in Peace, Gary. May the rest of his family and friends (which are many) find comfort in his memories. 

Until we meet again;
Georgie Klaustermeier

Dear Sheryl, Katie & AJ,
Pastor Gary was an unforgettable man. His laugh, humor and great love for people were contagious.
I remember him well from Westgate Chapel. Doug & I were fortunate enough to be invited to your home to spend quality time together. My heart is saddened for your loss and for his community whom will greatly miss him. May all the fond memories of him give you comfort.

Gary will forever be remembered for all the good he brought to other people's lives.  Through service, presence, and character "Woz" was instrumental in paths that others chose, the people that others became, but most of all, the joy he brought by being right there.  I will treasure all the lessons and encouragement he brought to my life personally, and if I have done anything right in my time, Gary certainly had a hand in it.  Rest easy, you've earned it.

The Woz and I were on the same intermural basketball team the year we won it all. He always brought hope, encouragement and a positive vibe. He is a man to model and a great mentor to others just by his example.
Blessings and prayers for his family. 
Scott Schmidt Rousseau

Dear Sheryl, AJ & Katie,
Woz was a great blessing to know. He always called me “Swabby” because of my Navy days. He had a way of communicating love and respect in every circumstance. He will be deeply missed. It was a privilege to serve in our churches with him in many ways. Such a profound loss, yet a great honor to have shared life with him.

I pray for your comfort during this time of deep grief and loss. May our Lord Jesus touch your hearts and souls through others and in ways no one could but Him.

With deepest empathy in your loss.
Rich McKusick

Dear Sheryl, Katie, and AJ
We loved Gary and his love for Jesus no matter what area of life he found a place to serve. He was the encourager or encouragers. He will be missed. We hope during this season of loss and grief you will experience tangible gifts from friends and family that will comfort you and give you peace that passes our earthly understanding. Prayers, love, and hugs,
Paul and Lorri Ague

I am so grateful to see all these kind messages about my father. While the world seems a lot dimmer, heaven got a little brighter. I appreciate the love and support. We will have two services to celebrate him. One will be at crown and the other will hopefully be at Westgate chapel if we can swing it. Thanks again for everything.

I've dealt with Gary for years at waconia  ford. He was a great guy and will be missed  by all who have ever had the pleasure  of meeting him. Rip gary

My kids met Gary this year when he was driving the bus. They and many of the other kids adored him. We heard about him a lot. I’m sorry for your loss.

Sheryl and family,

Gary was a wonderful and very kind neighbor. He had many stories to tell and we loved that about him. He loved kids and he loved animals. We loved the stories he told us about his family and growing up in Toledo. We even got to enjoy some of the polish sausages he made to celebrate his polish history. He was very good at listening and sharing his insight and experiences in life. As neighbors we helped each other out and we always enjoyed driving down our cul-de-sac and seeing Gary either pulling weeds in his front yard or relaxing in his lawn chair always with a big smile on his face and an endearing wave. He will be greatly missed by our family and we are sure he is in God's arms getting a well deserved rest.

Until we meet again dear neighbor and friend may you rest in peace.

with deepest sympathy and love,
Steve, LyNelle, Elisa, Taylor and Nathen Brennecke

I am sorry to hear about Gary passing away, they are getting a great encourager in heaven.   My memories of Gary included all the support he gave to our football program.  He knew every guys name and made them feel like a big time player whenever he saw them in the halls.  In the current world of academia Gary was different, he cared about kids like a coach and Pastor and should forever be proud of that.  One of my favorite memories is Gary getting us a 15 yard penalty for getting on the refs.  I told Gary he earned my grace because no member of our faculty backed us like he did.  God bless, John

I write this as a teacher and spokesperson for all the students that road Gary's bus. I rode on several field trips with Gary as the bus driver, he is the kindest individual I have met. I remember every time I worked an after school event theater production or musical production that he would attend and he would always make the joke that he thought I was a student.

I only had Woz for one class at Crown, a freshman course called Biblical Evangelism at 7:40.  If you have to have a class at 7:40, Woz was the professor you wanted, with his seemingly limitless enthusiasm and booming voice.  I can still hear him, "Hey!  Pauly G!"  Generally, I hate being called "Pauly," but for Woz I made an exception.

Sheryl, Kate and A.J.,
Deb and I are praying for you as you walk through this "shadowy valley" and feel the loss.  I enjoyed working with Gary at Crown, and seeing all the ways that God blessed people through him.  He had such a big heart - and a wonderful gift of always making people feel special.   He truly loved God and people!  What a treat to share dinner with you at Famous Dave's a while back.   You are all in our prayers!

My sympathy to the family of Gary.  I loved visiting with Gary over the years as I was coaching basketball and golf at Waconia.  We had many laughs and he loved driving the team to games and then rehashing it.  He will be missed and cherish the memories.  God Bless and prayers to all!

So sorry to hear of Gary's passing. What a loss for all of us who know and love him. We have not seen him since he left Westgate but could never forget his smile, love and kindness.We are praying for you ,his family. May you be blessed by his legacy to you. God be with you. Jim and Judy Redenbo

Sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. Great memories from high school.

I was so sad to hear of Gary’s passing but take great comfort in knowing that he is in Heaven.  His life was about service to others, friendship, a lot of laughter and Love.  His impact on the lives of those who were fortunate enough to know him can’t be measured.  Thoughts and Prayers to the Wozniak family, the Westgate Chapel family, Crown College family and to the countless lives that he touched.  Rest in Peace old friend.

Gary was a delightful friend and good brother in Christ. A sweet servant of Jesus. Condolences to the family. 

Until we meet at Jesus feet.

God used Woz in my life In amazing ways at Crown College! He believed in you! He encouraged you! He loved you for who you are. He had spirit and a passion to life that inspired others and always gave you a smile. 

Woz was also the man that challenged me in getting out there in witnessing to others about the hope that we have in Jesus Christ. He connected me to Street Level Ministry in Minneapolis. I believe God truly used Woz in my life to share my faith with others that has led my family to serve as missionaries in Macedonia and now Croatia for over 17 years. 

I am truly grateful for the life of Gary Wozniak and his example of loving God and others, the 2 greatest commandments. Thank you Woz for being the real deal! Love ya and see you soon in heaven!

I had a short stint at at Crown College back in 98-99.   One of my first interactions starting in the spring semester was a student yelling down the corridor next to the Student Union "Woz!"
I expected to see a student as an the recepient of the greating, but no, it was Gary.

Over my three semesters at crown, he was one of the most loved faculty on campus.  Some profs. demanded they be called "Doctor", but Gary was quite content with just "Woz".   
He seemed to be something of a student mascot.   Yet his impact seemed wide and deep.

25 years later, I don't recall many staff, but Woz I will not forget.   I did not have him for any classes, but so glad that I was able to experience his joy, his magnetism and his love for Jesus.
I expect there will be quite crowd that will want to interact with him on the other side of glory.... I fully expect random saints from multiple directions see him from afar, begin to come his way and shout with a joy filled excited tone...."Woz!"

A funny and gentle man who had a passion for good food, cooking for anyone he could, and a great educator who challenged his students for excellence. God bless his family and may God give you a peace that passes understanding in this time of loss and grief. Michael Proebstle, Crown CAP student graduate of 2010.

Best bus driver of all time always happy and always got jokes to tell this made me sad hearing about this

Woz was a great guy! If you were ever feeling down or stressed you could go to his office and be guaranteed to walk out with a smile. He loved asking me the dumbest questions he could think of about Australia just to get me to roll my eyes and come up with a smart response back. 
Sending love all the way from Australia 
Yes Woz we do have electricity and refrigeration these days.

So very thankful for the life and example woz was while alive on this earth! 

Thanks for investing in my life and so many others! 

See you soon! 

Nate “N8” Stenholtz

Woz was the example of what I strive to be. He left a legacy of lives that were impacted for Christ. He did it with humor and genuine care for all his students. I still use the lessons he taught about looking for “teachable moments” with the kids I teach and coach. So many of us are impacting students, in part, because of the impact Woz had on us. What a legacy! I love ya brother and I’m more than a little jealous that you’re already home. Thanks Woz.

WOZ. Wow, the world will not be the same without you. He certainly had an infectious smile and laugh and had a nickname or inside joke with everyone. Such a special guy. He was such a blessing in my life and I know in so many others as well. Condolences to the Wozniak family.

Oh, so very sad to see this. Gary was a friend and major contributor to a Bible study I used to lead: "Trinity on Tap" whereby some of us men would meet in a bar, order a pitcher or two,  and discuss Jesus openly for our own sake...and hopefully garner interest in the other clientele who may not know Jesus. I had some great after hours talks with Gary.  God Speed brother.

Patrick Petersen

My condolences to the Wozniak family. Woz was such a light and definitely made my time at Crown so memorable. My prayers are with you.

I am truly sorry for your loss. 
I worked with Gary at Koch for the last 4 years. He was one of the first drivers I met and was always one of my favorites. So kind and funny!! 
He will be truly missed. RIP Garyinski😂
From: KimBERly , his Nick name for me❤️

Very sorry to hear this. I served with Gary in AWANA during our college years. I know he impacted many young people. I have no doubt he was greeted with :Well done faithful servant, " by his Savior.

Gary was one of the first people to congratulate me on getting my CDL to drive school bus, and even announced it on the intercom. He had a way of bringing light and laughter everywhere he went and to everyone he met. 
My condolences to his near and dear, I only knew him briefly, but his memory will stay with me. May you all be comforted by angels as you grieve and may it be peaceful in light of this sorrow.

The “Woz”, very few men had an impact on my life as much as this man. He believed in you, pushed you, and genuinely cared about you. I still use lesson he taught me often. If you knew him you loved him. I pray for his wife and kids as they navigate life in this new reality. Thanks Woz, I am sure I wouldn’t be doing what I am doing without you. I will see you again my friend.

Sheryl,

I am so sorry for your loss.  Gary was such a pivotal part of my discipleship and ministry career.  I still use advice he gave me from 20 plus years ago to encourage others and remind myself why I am in ministry.  I seriously doubt I would have stuck with ministry if it were not for Gary.   Countless lives have been impacted because of Gary’s ministry to all of his students.  He will be missed but heaven is no doubt excited to have him home.

OBITUARY

Gary James Wozniak

November 16, 1957 – November 9, 2023

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services