Gary Wegenast

Minot

Gary Wegenast, 86, Minot and formerly of Fargo and Edgeley, died peacefully on May 23, 2025, in a Minot assisted living facility with his family at his side.

Gary Norris Wegenast was born on February 15, 1939, in Edgeley, ND, to Gottlieb and Elizabeth (Taszarek) Wegenast. He was raised on a farm near Edgeley, educated at Ray Township School, and graduated from Edgeley High School. Gary married Neva Ann Kelder on September 25th, 1959, in Verona, ND. Neva died on February 1, 1991. Gary then married Genevieve Redlin on September 29, 1991, in Brookings SD.

Gary’s employment included work at several Arabian horse ranches, training stables across the U.S., and agricultural seed sales. Gary was a member of the North Dakota National Guard, MN and ND Arabian Horse Association, and was a member of the Edgeley City Council for 24 years, which led to his involvement in the ND League of Cities organization. He especially enjoyed anything related to horses, including but not limited to training, showing, breeding, equestrian events, and work as a farrier. Also, he enjoyed reading and anything outdoors, including hunting and fishing.

Gary is survived by his wife of 33 years: Genevieve “Gen” Johnson Wegenast of Minot; children: Rory Wegenast of Edgeley, Todd (Nancy) Wegenast of Minot and Jodi (Corey) Bayer of Jamestown; daughter-in-law: Tracy Wegenast of Madison WI; stepdaughters: Vonda Smith of Wessington Springs SD, Brenda (Dale) Sargent of Mandan and Cary Redlin of Minot; 6 grandchildren; 6 step grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; 16 step great grandchildren; siblings: Robert (Judy) Wegenast of Fargo, and Leroy (Leanne) Wegenast of Jamestown and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, first wife: Neva Ann, son: Joel, stepdaughter: Lori Redlin, stepson-in-law: Jeff Smith and an infant sister.

Family Graveside Service: Calvary Cemetery, Jamestown, on Thursday June 5, 2025, at 1:00 p.m.

Memorials are preferred to Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, c/o Rory Wegenast, 705 6th Ave. West, Edgeley, ND 58433.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Published by The Minot Daily News, June 2, 2025.