Gary lee Holland, 77, of Side Lake passed away Friday, July 22, 2016 with his family by his side.
He was born on July 11, 1939, in Chisholm to Toivo and Mary (Sertich) Holland. Gary was a resident of Chisholm until 1997 then moved to Side Lake, MN. He graduated from Chisholm High School in 1957 then attended Hibbing Community college and U.M.D. Gary was united in marriage on April 29, 1967 to Andrea Franchak. He was employed by U.S.S.-Minntac, retiring after 30 years of dedicated service.
Gary was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church of Chisholm, American Legion Press-Lloyd Post #247-Chisholm, a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1757 of Cook, and a member of the "Unknown Camp" hunting shack where he loved hunting with Buckshot. Gary was a Corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving in Okinawa and Laos during Vietnam.
He enjoyed playing poker and bocce ball, hunting, fishing, completing crossword puzzles, reading and watching his six grandchildren's participation in school sports and activities.
Gary is survived by his wife of 49 years, Andrea; two daughters, Terri (Brian) Vajdl and Karen (Billy Jon) Butkovich; grandchildren Bailey & Andrew Jugovich, William Jon III & Brandon Butkovich and Taylor & Rian Vajdl; sisters, Sharon Zgonc, Carol (John) Erickson, and Nancy (Nick) Tepovich all of Chisholm; and many special nephews, nieces, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by father, Toivo; mother, Mary; step-father, George Pothen; father and mother in-law, Andrew and Mollie Franchak and brother in-law Bob Zgonc.
SERVICES: A memorial Mass will be held at noon on Saturday, July 30, 2016 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Chisholm with Rev. Fr. Anthony Craig Celebrating. Visitation will be from 10am until 11:50 am at the church on Saturday. Inurnment will follow at the Chisholm Cemetery, with military rites accorded by the Cook V.F.W. and the Press-Lloyd American Legion of Chisholm.