Gary Donaldson

Loving husband, dad, grandpa, and brother 

Gary L. Donaldson, 65, of Circle Pines, MN passed away December 27, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family and under the care of Moments Hospice of Golden Valley, MN.

Gary (aka Gar Bear) was born July 15, 1960 in Fargo, ND to Leo A. and Mary R. (Newton) Donaldson. Gary was raised in Fargo, ND and graduated from Fargo South High School in 1978, later attending Moorhead Technical Community College and getting his degree in carpentry.

Gary was united in marriage with Jeanine Welle June 2, 1984 in Moorhead, MN. They made their home in Moorhead until 1988 when they moved to the Minneapolis area, settling in Circle Pines, MN. Gary worked for Star Exhibits and Environments for 28 years and recently retired in July, 2025.

Gary had a wonderful sense of humor just like his father and would always make you smile. He was known for his infectious laugh and bad jokes. He enjoyed many years at their lake cabin on Big Floyd Lake, Detroit Lakes, MN fishing, boating, tennis, golfing and basketball with his nieces and brother-in-law's and watching the Fighting Sioux hockey. He enjoyed coaching his son's basketball team and watching both his children play soccer and basketball for many weekends. He would share in their joys and accomplishments as if they were his own. Gary cherished spending time with his granddaughter, Emma whom he had a very special relationship. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Mary, and nephew Tim Donaldson.

He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Jeanine, one daughter, Brooke (Brad) Armstrong, Blaine, MN, one son, Cory, Hugo, MN, one granddaughter, Emma Armstrong, Blaine, MN; sister, Kathy Munn, Tallahassee, FL, 2 brothers Michael (Aliceann), Tallahassee FL and James (Pam) Eau Claire, WI. In addition, Gary is remembered by many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

A Mass will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday, January 14, 2026, with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM, at St. Joseph of the Lakes Catholic Church, 171 Elm St., Lino Lakes, MN.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Moments Hospice, Golden Valley, MN, or St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Lino Lakes, MN.

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