He was born to parents Richard and Marion (Paulson) Kopitzke on February 9 th, 1941, in Morris, MN.
He was baptized March 29 th, 1942, and confirmed on May 8 th, 1955, at Hope Lutheran Church in
Wheaton, MN. He was a faithful member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Sleepy Eye, MN and Bethlehem
Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, MN.
Gary met Anita Minners in 1960 in Beardsley, MN. They were married on June 15 th, 1968, in Browns
Valley. They recently celebrated their 55 th wedding anniversary. Together they raised two children:
Christian and Kimberly.
Gary graduated from Cokato High School in 1959 and attended college at the University of Minnesota,
Morris. He had a long career in the banking/Ag loan industry including Cenex in Gaylord, PCA in
Madison, President of Americana Community Bank in Sleepy Eye, Vice President of 1 st National Bank in
St. Peter and finally President of First Independent Bank in Woodlake.
Gary loved airplanes and flying like his older brother Gene. He enjoyed working on old cars, going to car
shows, and being involved with the Sleepy Eye Car Club. In recent years you could find Gary tuning in
regularly to watch Dr. Pol and other vet shows.
Gary is survived by his wife Anita Kopitzke; children, Christian Kopitzke (Rob Rand) and Kimberly
Kopitzke; sister Marlene Seip; and many extended relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by
parents, Richard and Marion Kopitzke and brothers, Ed, Gene, and Floyd Carbert.
The family has entrusted Gill Brothers Funeral Home with the arrangements. A visitation and reception
are scheduled for Saturday, June 24th, 2023 from 11am – 2pm at 5801 Lyndale Ave. So., Minneapolis,
MN. A short prayer and remembrance will take place at 1:15pm.