Gary Allen Wolff (1949–2025): The Man Who Saw the Best in Everyone

If you ever met Gary Allen Wolff, chances are you walked away with a story, a life lesson, and

maybe a gentle nudge to believe in yourself a little more. He had an uncanny ability to see the

best in people—even when they couldn’t see it in themselves. Whether you were a student in his

classroom, a player on his team, a neighbor who needed encouragement, or one of his beloved

grandkids, Gary had a way of making you feel important. And if you were especially lucky, you

also got a perfectly-timed joke and an invitation to help mow the lawn (because let’s be honest, it

was never mowed quite right without his supervision).

Born on October 23, 1949, in Park Rapids, MN, Gary spent his lifetime in allegiance to his

hometown and committed to filling the world with laughter and the kind of support that could

turn doubts into dreams. A devoted husband to Marsha, Gary perfected the art of being a loving,

patient, and sometimes exasperated spouse for 54 years. His resume included teacher, coach,

greenskeeper, parade announcer, and unofficial town storyteller, but his most cherished titles

were husband, dad, and grandpa. In his 75 years on earth, Gary built a legacy not of wealth or

accolades, but of relationships and encouragement.

Gary’s career as a teacher and coach in Nevis was never just about education—it was about

people. He instilled confidence in his students, made his classroom a sanctuary, and the court or

playing field a place where confidence grew, dreams took shape, and kids learned to believe in

themselves. He had a simple philosophy: & quote; everyone has something to contribute. Even if it is

cheering from the bench.” He made sure every student and athlete who crossed his path carried

that belief with them long after they left.

To Gary, everyone had a story worth telling. He made time to listen, to laugh, and to remind

people of their worth. His grandkids were the light of his life, and if you ever heard him talk

about them, you’d know just how much they meant to him. He treated friends like family and

family like the greatest gift he’d ever been given.

A man of many talents, Gary excelled at painting, fishing, golfing, hunting, throwing pottery,

carving fish decoys, and making everyone feel like they belonged. He believed in people,

cheered for the underdog, and never met a stranger—just future friends. And if there were ever a

parade thrown in his honor, he’d absolutely insist on announcing it himself.

Gary is survived by his wife, Marsha, his children Eric (Tara) Wolff and Sarah (Erik) Wolff-Speer; and (like a son to us) Dan, his grandchildren Macy, Attly, Elin, and August, his siblings Vern, LaPalma (Randy) Anderson, and Phil, many cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws, friends, neighbors, and an entire community that was shaped by his kindness, wisdom, and humor. He left this world the same way he lived in it—full of love, full of stories, and absolutely certain that every person he met was valuable and important.

He was preceded in death by his parents- Herbert and Eleanora Wolff and his son – Jason Wolff.

A celebration of his life will take place at 2:00 PM on Sunday, March 2, 2025 at the Nevis High School gym, with visitation starting at 12:00 noon. Officiated by Rev. Dan Babine. In Gary’s honor, take a moment to encourage someone today. Remind them of their worth. Tell a good story. Because that’s what he would have done. Rest easy, Coach. Your stories and belief in us live on.

Friends may leave online condolences at ceasefuneralhome.com. Arr. by Cease F.H.