GARY SOWATZKI

Gary Sowatzki, 71 of Devils Lake, ND passed away on Sunday morning, December 8, 2013 at his home after a courageous battle against cancer. He was in the loving care of his family and Mercy Hospice. Funeral Services for Gary will be held on Friday, December 13, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Devils Lake, ND with Rev. Jeff Nicla officiating. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Thursday, December 12th from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Visitation on Friday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral service. Gary was born June 8, 1942 in Devils Lake, ND the son of Ed and Helen (Ek) Sowatzki. He attended a one room school, housed in Pelican Township, Southwest of Penn, ND for the first 8 grades. He then graduated from Devils Lake Central High School in 1960 and attended Lake Region Junior College and drove school bus for the next 2 years. In May of 1962 Gary started work in the Engineering Department of the NDDOT in Devils Lake, ND. He continued with the department until retiring in May of 2012. He then worked part time for KLJ, Devils Lake, ND until his illness did not allow him to continue. Gary married Jan Bauerle of Churchs Ferry on June 16, 1962. They lived on the Sowatzki farm until 1976 when they moved to Devils Lake. He enjoyed the outdoors gardening and sharing vegetables with friends, hunting, fishing and camping with his sons and friends and also spending time with family. He is survived by his wife Jan; son, Shane and Jody Sowatzki of Devils Lake, ND, grandchildren, Jamie & Jordan; daughter, Stacy Miller of Devils Lake, grandchildren Dustin & Jade Miller; son, Kelly Sowatzki of Fargo, ND ; three sisters; Lorna (John) Kennedy of Great Falls, MT, Sharon (Gruss) Jeanott of Joliet, Montana and Lauri (Steve) Kirchgasler of Devils Lake, ND; one brother, Don (Barb) Sowatzki of Devils Lake and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents.