Gary Gene Sundquist, 84 of Williston, went to be with the Lord on Friday, November 30 at Bethel Lutheran Home.

Gary was born in Williston on September 10, 1940, to Herman Sundquist and Nellie (Tvedt) Sundquist, Gary grew up on the farm south of Alamo with his two sisters, Donna Hanson and Leila Hanson. His mom passed away when the kids were young, so Gary stayed in Alamo and graduated from High School there in 1958. After Graduation and with the $10 he got as a graduation gift, Gary joined the US Navy where he proudly served his country from June 1958 and was honorably discharged on Sept 9, 1961. He served his time in the Navy on the ship, the USS Boston, a guided missile cruiser.

Gary married Beverly Jean Johnson on June 10, 1962, at Our Redeemers Lutheran Church in Williston. The very first time Gary and Beverly met she was only 7, he was 9 and he said, “I’m going to marry that girl”. And he did. This perfect marriage lasted for over 62 years. Gary and Bev were blessed with two children, Kelly in 1963 and Kimberly was born on his birthday, in 1965.

Garys life path led him in many directions. After his service in the military, he worked in Williston at United Auto and United Buckingham and was transferred to Glendive, MT with the same job. In 1963 Gary pursued his career in broadcasting and enrolled in the Brown Institute of Broadcasting and Engineering in Minneapolis. He worked part time for Werner Transportation while attending school. Gary’s broadcasting career began at KEYD in Oakes ND earning $166 every two weeks as Chief Engineer, DJ and news director. He later shifted gears by joining NW Bell Telephone and went for training in Fargo. This job led him to Hettinger, Belfield, Dickinson, and Bismarck and finally settled back in Williston in May of 1983. He retired from this role in May 1993 after a dedicated career. Not being able to sit idle, Gary also worked as the head maintenance of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church and was a Landman for Empire Oil.

After his retirement Gary enjoyed doing many little jobs and there was not anything he could not repair or fix. If anyone needed anything Gary was always there willing to help in any way he could.

He enjoyed working on and collecting old radios. Gary also was an Avid Ham Radio guy who made contact with people all over the world. He belonged to the Ham radio club and also taught classes to others to get them certified. Gary loved to play his guitar and with his sister Donna on the piano, Cousin Earl Gross on the guitar, Arlys Moline and Hariette Jensen on the accordion, their little band played for several events within the area. Many may have thought of Gary as being somewhat quiet, but he had a sense of humor that exceeds all others, and he always had a joke to share. Gary was asked to be the Master of Ceremonies at events because of his ability to make people laugh.

Gary was a member of the Our Redeemers Lutheran Church where he ran the sound for many years and served on the church council. He had also been a Boy Scout Leader in Dickinson, which his son Kelly was a part of.

Gary’s strong faith in God led him throughout his lifetime. This was always very evident in his many gifts and talents he shared with others. Gary always put others ahead of his own wants and needs.

Gary is survived by his loving wife, Beverly of 62 years; son, Kelly (Kim) McDonough, GA and his step children, Tina Smith, Tosha (Aaron) Privette, Kerstin (Kishaun) Henry; daughter, Kimberly Johnston, Killdeer ND and her children, Gary Wayne (Sarah) Johnston, Brooklyn Center, MN and Katie (Steve) Anderson, Weiser, ID; great-grandchildren, Jamison and Jensen Anderson; step great-grandchildren, Cole Anderson, Natalie Anderson and Dean Anderson, Madisen, Brooklyn, Savanna Privette, Eden Henry and Ryan Stein.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Nellie Sundquist; his two sisters, Donna Hanson and Leila Hanson; and niece, Nyla Hanson.

Memorial Contribution