GARY LIVINGSTON

Gary P. Livingston, of Grasston and recent summer home in Stanchfield, MN; passed away on Thursday, December 14, 2023 at his winter home in Apache Junction, AZ from natural causes.  He was 81 years old.

Gary was born on July 28, 1942 in Kenmare, North Dakota to parents Clarke A. and LaVera (Munch) Livingston.  He was raised on the family farm east of Kenmare and graduated from Kenmare High School in 1960.  He entered the United States Army in 1963 and served during the Vietnam War.  He was honorably discharged from active service in April of 1965 but continued with the Army reserve until 1975.  He furthered his education at Minot State earning a B.A. degree in Art with a B.S. minor in Business Education in 1969 and then attended NDSU where he received a master’s degree in counseling in 1970.

In 1968, Gary was united in marriage to Laurel Raap at the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran church in Tolley, ND.   After Gary graduated from NDSU, Gary and Laurel made their home in the Grasston area, where Gary spent most of his career as a counselor in the Braham Schools.

Gary enjoyed tinkering with projects around the farm, playing cards, reading the Kenmare News and traveling adventures with family and friends, but especially hitting the open road with Laurel. He faithfully dedicated his time to St. Stephen’s Lutheran church in Braham, singing in the choir and serving in other church roles over the years. Most of all, Gary enjoyed being active in the Braham community and socializing with his neighbors and friends. He will certainly be remembered and missed by many for his infectious laugh, great sense of humor and genuine personality. 

Gary is preceded in death by his parents Clarke and LaVera; wife Laurel; brother Allan; and brother-in-law Charles Raap.

He is survived by his sons, Jonathon and Jereme (Jiab); siblings, Craig, Ross, and Connie; brothers and sisters-in-law, Donald (Kathy) Raap, Judy (Harvey) Popinga, and Sandy Livingston; niece Alicia; nephew Jamie (Heather); great nephew and niece Jacob and Brooke; and many other relatives and friends. 

A Memorial service will be held at  11:00 am on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at the St. Stephen’s Lutheran church in Braham.

A Memorial Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the service at the church.

Military Honors will be provided following the service.

Inurnment will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, June 15, 2024 in the Trinity Cemetery in Tolley, ND with light refreshments to follow at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Tolley, ND.

In lieu of flowers, memorial considerations are requested for St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, 400 SE 8th St., of Braham, MN 55006.  

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