Gary Wallace

Havre, Mont.

Gary Floyd Wallace, 78, died April 21, 2025 at his home in Havre, Mont.

Gary was born to Floyd and Lucille (Lambert) Wallace on Dec. 18, 1946, in Minot, N.D.

He attended school in Minot and Burlington, N.D. As a young man, he delivered newspapers, worked on the family farm, and planted trees in the Minot area through the newly formed Highway Beautification Act.

Gary married the love of his life Linda Dunkel, also of Minot, on June 22, 1971 and they raised four children, who brought immense joy to him.

He graduated from Hanson Mechanical School in Fargo and worked at Wayne’s Body Shop in Minot.

He signed on as a laborer/carpenter with Burlington Northern Railroad in May 1977 and was transferred to Havre in 1986.

He retired from BNSF in 2007. He later came out of retirement and worked as a hospital security guard and maintenance worker for a motel.

Gary served his country in the Vietnam War with the U.S. Army. He later spent many years in the Army National Guard and the Army Reserve in both North Dakota and Montana.

Gary found great joy in providing acts of service. He stayed busy helping friends and neighbors with construction and repair projects.

He was an active leader of Boy Scout Troop 438 in Havre of which his sons were members.

He was also active with his daughters’ Girl Scout troops.

He spent time volunteering at Head Start and in recent years, he was a volunteer at Northern Montana Hospital.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling (often spur of the moment), visiting with family and friends, his collections, and woodworking projects.

He will be missed greatly by all who were blessed to share his life.

Gary is survived by his wife, Linda; sons Wayne (Porntip) and Eric; daughters Dawn and Amanda (Christopher) Miller; sister Brenda (Marvin) Wallace; brother Randy (Linda); proud Papa to 11 grandchildren who were the lights of his life; Danielle, Hannah, Alexandra, Veronica, Chase, Fiona, Cody, Mya, Summit, Mackenzie, and William; great-grandson Sutton; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his loyal canine companions, Marly and Charlie.

He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Gene and Duane.

Per Gary’s wishes, cremation has taken place.

The ashes will be scattered in some of his favorite places and at the Veterans National Cemetery in Mandan, N.D. A private family gathering was held.

Published by The Minot Daily News, May 3, 2025.