Gary Leo Kroells

Gary Leo Kroells, aged 78, of Belle Paine, Minneosta, passed away surrounded by family on May 5, 2026, after a courageous battle with Lewy Body Demetia and Parkinson’s disease. Gary has generously donated his body to the University of Minnesota Anatomy Bequest Program for medical research. A Memorial Mass for Gary will be held Friday, May 15, 2026, at Our Lady of the Prairie Catholic Church in Belle Plaine, Minnesota, at 10:30 a.m. with Fr. Michael Kaluza presiding. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. A luncheon will follow immediately after the service.

Gary was born on March 30, 1948, in New Richmond, Wisconsin to Leo and Betty (McPartlan) Kroells. Shortly thereafter, the family moved to Belle Plaine, Minnesota, where Gary grew up alongside his four brothers. Together, they built a lifetime of memories hunting, fishing, and trapping. Gary graduated from Belle Plaine High School in 1966. He proudly volunteered for military service and entered the United States Army, where he was stationed in Germany from 1968 to 1970. After being honorably discharged, he returned to Belle Plaine. On June 20, 1970, he was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Sandra Mager. Together, they raised two sons, Gary and Todd.

Gary dedicated 30 years of his life to a career in law enforcement. He began in his hometown of Belle Plaine in 1971, later serving in Le Sueur, Minnesota. He went on to become Chief of Police in Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, and in 1985 was appointed Chief of Police in Dayton, Minnesota, where he served until his retirement in 2002. He and Sandra raised their sons in Elk River, Minnesota.

In retirement, Gary cherished time spent at the family cabin on Lake Koronis in Paynesville, Minnesota. He enjoyed boating, hunting, fishing, and birdwatching. One of his favorite pastimes was having breakfast at Hilltop with friends and sitting outside with his neighbor Mike on Old Lake Road, calling out to passing cars to slow down – though it rarely worked. Gary also had a well-known love for online shopping and was on a first-name basis with many UPS, FedEx, and Amazon delivery drivers.

Above all, Gary treasured his role as Grandpa. He strongly believed instilling a solid work ethic in his grandchildren. Though he could appear tough and stubborn on the outside, he was warm, generous, and deeply devoted to them. He took great pride in attending their cheer, plays, baseball, football, and wrestling events. In 2023, Gary returned to his hometown of Belle Plaine due to his illness. He valued the time spent with his brothers, sharing childhood memories and enjoying simple morning together over coffee and pancakes at McDonald’s.

Gary is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Sandra; his sons, Gary (Amy) Kroells of Delano, Minnesota, and Todd (Sarah) Kroells of Scandia, Minnesota; three grandchildren, Tanner, Tyson, and Kiera; and brothers, Chuck (Barb) Kroells, Rick (Deb) Kroells, Larry (Laura) Kroells, and Jeff (Carlean) Kroells.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Betty Kroells.

The Kroells family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of St. Croix Hospice, as well as the entire team at the Belle Plaine Lutheran Home, for their kindness and support shown to Gary.