Gary Tarasen

Minot

Gary Tarasen, 75, Minot, died Saturday, April 15, 2023, in his home.

Gary Paul Tarasen was born on December 13, 1947, a son of Paul and Elsie (Verbitsky) Tarasenko in Minot, ND. He was raised on the farm near Butte, ND, where he assisted with the daily operations of the farm and attended school. Following his graduation in 1965, Gary furthered his education by attending North Dakota State University (NDSU), La Seira College in California and UC Berkely in 1968-1969.

On August 18, 1970, Gary was drafted into the United States Army. He proudly served his country during the Vietnam Conflict, where he served in West Berlin Germany, where he was the Enlisted Aid to Major General George M. Seignious II. Gary was honorably discharged on August 17, 1973, as a 3-star Lieutenant general. Following his discharge, he returned to NDSU.

Gary was united in marriage to Star Lynn Kjos on July 14, 1974, in Fargo, ND. They made their home in Fargo, where Gary earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Science and Mathematics from NDSU, graduating in 1977. He then attended grad school, for polymers and coatings chemistry. In 1980, they moved to Williston. Where they lived there for one year and moved to Minot, where they raised their family. Star passed away on September 21, 2011. Following her death, Gary continued to live in Minot.

He worked as a Mud Engineer in the oilfields of ND until retiring in 2018.

Gary was a loving husband, dad, grandpa, brother and friend who enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He enjoyed the outdoors hunting, fishing, and was a die-hard NDSU Bison fan. Gary never stopped learning, he enjoyed reading about science, mechanics, technology, politics and history.

Gary is survived by his children: Dustin (Mandi) Tarasen, Thad (Michelle) Tarasen, Breezy (Brandon) Schmidt; grandchildren: Alyssa, Cole, Caleb, Mikazia, Catriese, Caden and Hayden; siblings: William Tarasen, Robert Tarasenko, Kenneth Tarasenko, Laurel Tarasenko, John Tarasenko, Paula Shaw (Tarasenko), Beth Reid (Tarasenko) and Christal Tarasenko; several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents and wife of 37 years Star Lynn.

Visitation: Friday, April 21, 2023, one hour prior to the service at the Zion Lutheran Church, Minot

Funeral Service: Friday, April 21, 2023, at 11 am at Zion Lutheran Church, Minot. The service will be livestreamed and may be accessed at https://www.youtube.com/@zionminot.

Burial with military honors: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.

Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Published by The Minot Daily News, April 18, 2023.