Gary Lee Obele

Gary Lee Obele, age 85, of Le Sueur, passed away on Monday, June 23, 2025, at Ridgeview Hospital in Le Sueur. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anne’s Catholic Church. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Le Sueur.

Gary was born on February 17, 1940, in Adrian, MN, to Fred and Leona (Colbeck) Obele and was raised in Lismore. He graduated from Adrian High School in 1958 and went on to attend Winona State University, earning his degree in 1964. During college, he met the love of his life, Carol Pick. They were married on October 28, 1961, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Lismore. Together, they raised three sons: Tom, Todd, and Terry.

Gary began his three year career at Rose Creek, as a teacher and a coach,  while working summers at Green Giant. He later joined Green Giant full-time in the Human Resources department, relocating his family to Belvidere, IL, and eventually to Le Sueur in 1973. He later joined Progress Castings Group in Brainerd, where he became Vice President of Operations, before retiring to Gull Lake and Becker. Gary and Carol returned to Le Sueur in 2022.

A beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Gary was a man of deep devotion to his family & friends. He loved golfing, hunting, following Gopher sports, and attending games. He was also a proud Rotary Club member during his time in Brainerd.

Gary is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Carol Obele; sons Tom (Heidi) Obele of Le Sueur, Todd (Hope) Obele of Watertown, SD, and Terry (Sheila) Obele of Frankfort, IL; grandchildren Nicole (Jason) Aune, Ryan (Ashley) Obele, Tyler Obele, Todd Jr. Obele, Jacob Obele, and Wyatt and Caroline Obele; and great-grandchildren Brooklynn, Elias, and Amelia.  Brother, Robert (Jeanne) Obele of Sioux Falls, SD.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Karen Nagel.