Gary Carroll
Oct. 4, 1955-Sept. 16, 2009Gary Carroll, 53, Minot, died Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2009, in a Minot hospital.
Gary was born Oct. 4, 1955, in Brooklyn, N.Y., the son of Fred and Evelyn (Kromer) Carroll. Gary started school at PS 106 in Brooklyn. The family moved to Highland Lakes, N.J., where he attended Vernon Valley Elementary and graduated from Franklin High School. He was active in high school drama and wrestling. He entered into active duty service with the Air Force in 1972 and honorably served his country during the Vietnam Era. He was stationed at Minot Air Force Base and in Udorn, Thailand, where he worked in security.
After receiving his honorable discharge, he attended Wahpeton State School of Science and received an associate's degree in pre-law. He also served in the Army National Guard during this time. Gary moved to Fargo, where he worked for the Fargo Police Department for several years.
He was united in marriage to Deborah Berkner on Nov. 12, 1983, in Fargo. Gary continued working for the City of Fargo until 1986. At that time, Gary joined the United States Marshal's Service. He served as a United States deputy marshal in the Fargo office. Gary also helped with Grand Forks missile convoys when needed and lived there a short time. They moved to Minot in 1990 and Gary continued as a deputy until April of 2006, when he retired from active duty. Gary received numerous awards during his law enforcement career.
Gary was a member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Minot, where he served as an elder at one time. He loved baseball and softball and took great pride in coaching both of his children's teams as well as an Air Force baseball team. He participated in a local pool league. Gary was an avid New York Yankees fan and loved taking his motorcycle out to ride. He was a charter member of the Blue Knights Motorcycle Club and was serving as vice president of the Minot chapter.
Gary will be remembered for many things. Though he appeared strong and tough on the outside, he had a heart of gold. He will be remembered for his kind spirit, his generous heart, and his love for his family, his friends and his country. Gary will be deeply missed by many.
His loving family includes: wife of 25 years, Deb, Minot; daughter, Andrea Carroll, Bismarck; brothers, Craig (Billie) Carroll, Springfield, Ill., Marc (Ellen) Carroll, Howard Beach, N.Y., Rick (Veronica) Carroll, Great Meadows, N.J.; sister, Nancy (Ron) Ranieri, Dresher, Pa.; mother-in-law and father in-law, Bob and Donna Berkner, Billings, Mont.; sisters-in-law, Kathy Beck, Iowa City, Iowa, Pat (Mark) Kittock, Eden Prairie, Minn.; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Gary was preceded in death and was greeted by his parents and son, Craig.
Funeral service: Monday, Sept. 21, 2009, at 1 p.m. in St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Minot.
Vigil prayer service: Today, Sept. 20, at 6 p.m. in Little Flower Catholic Church, Minot.
Visitation: Today from noon to 4 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers and plants, memorials are preferred to an organization of the donor's choice.
Those wishing to sign the online memorial register or share memories are invited to use the expressions of sympathy section at (www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com).
