Gary R. Cowden

Gary passed away on Wednesday, February 28, 2018 at the age of 84.

Gary R. Cowden was born in Fargo, ND to Robert and Blanche (Halvorson) Cowden on November 11, 1933. He grew up in Dilworth, MN where he attended grade school and high school, graduating in 1951 as valedictorian of his class.
After high school Gary attended Moorhead State University, Dakota Business College and North Dakota State University. He faithfully served his country in the United States Air Force.

Gary married Yvonne Wallner on June 17th 1961 at Elim Lutheran Church in Fargo, ND. To that union they were blessed with two daughters, Lynn and Kathy.
Gary worked various jobs throughout his life. These jobs included working on local farms and for the Northern Pacific railroad. He later became the City Clerk Treasurer in Dilworth, MN; holding the position for 35 years. Gary was a member of the American Legion and managed the American Legion baseball team for many years. He also served as the treasurer of Dilworth Lutheran Church.

After retiring from the City of Dilworth, Gary and Vonnie moved to a lake home near Ottertail, MN. There Gary cherished spending time with his family and listening to the loons on the lake. He enjoyed many things in life including, fishing, hunting, watching westerns, and sports, particularly the Minnesota Vikings and Twins. More than anything Gary loved his family, especially his grandchildren. He enjoyed every minute he spent following all their sporting events and other activities. Gary was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was a very kind, loving and generous man. He was always willing to help those in need. His gentle spirit and sense of humor will be missed by many.
Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Blanche Cowden.

He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Yvonne; children, Lynn (Jim) Kvidt of Roseau, MN, Kathy (Brad) Conner of Cottage Grove, MN; grandchildren, Tessa (Derek) Zimney of Roseau, MN, Nick (Amanda) Kvidt of Roseau, MN, Ethan Kvidt of Albany, MN, Cole Conner of Richfield, MN, Grant Conner of Cottage Grove, MN; great-grandchildren, Hadley Zimney, Zander Zimney, Kenadi Zimney, Emmett Kvidt, Oliver Kvidt; sisters, Loretta (Arnold) Leshovsky of Park Rapids, MN, Judy (Wayne) Koepplin of Sioux Falls, SD; brother, Dale (Avis) Cowden of Dilworth, MN.