Gary Edward Flicek was born and baptized to Edward and Dorothy (Kukacka) Flicek on March 14, 1952, in Barstow, California but spent the remainder of his youth in Le Center, MN. He graduated from Le Center High School in 1971.

In his younger years, Gary was a factory worker in Le Sueur and then went to work at McQuays in Faribault, MN.

He was a part of a bowling league, where he got the nickname “Twinkle Toes” because of his unique style.

Gary met the love of his life, Carolyn in Kilkenny, MN. They were united in marriage on April 8, 1974, in Sioux Falls, SD. Gary took on the responsibility of husband and father to Carolyn and her daughters, Chris and Sheri.

Gary and Carolyn started a band called Carolyn’s Country Music. Gary played the bass guitar and Carolyn sang and played the rhythm guitar. Together they owned the Waldorf Cafe, and he was a firefighter and first responder for the Waldorf Fire and Rescue. Gary and his wife moved to Verndale in 2009. He worked at the Staples College and People’s Express.

In his spare time, Gary loved spending time outdoors, hunting, fishing, and watching wildlife on his trail cam. He enjoyed four wheeling and snowmobiling with his grandkids. Gary also loved spending time with his family and dogs. He was an avid collector of guns and Western movies.

Gary fought and won his battle with cancer and was cancer free for 38 years.

On December 20, 2021, Gary passed away unexpectedly in his home. He will be dearly missed by his friends and family. Gary is preceded in death by his father Edward Flicek, and family members: Edward and Esther Flicek, Donald Flicek, George Flicek, Bernie Busch, Frank and Mary Kukacka, Marvin and Margie Kukacka, Arthur and Rose Kukacka, Raymond and Louise Kukacka, and Edward and Helen Winterfeldt.

Gary is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Carolyn; mother, Dorothy; sister: Debra (Michael) Pelowski; daughters: Chris (Jason) Shaw; Sheri (Paul) Miller; 7 grandchildren: Mackenna Zelenka, Trevor Shaw, Victoria Shaw, Karissa (Justin Creel) Shaver, Walker Miller, Andrew Miller, Faith Miller; 2 great grandchildren: Carter and Jeremiah Creel; family members, Ellen Flicek, Julia Busch, Leo and Mary Kukacka, and numerous nieces and nephews.