Memorial services for Gary L. Beese, 75, of Albert Lea will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Grace Lutheran Church. The Rev. Joel Erickson will officiate. Friends may greet the family one hour prior to the service at the church. Online condolences are welcome at www.bayviewfuneral.com.

Gary died Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2017, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea.

Gary Lloyd Beese was born Aug. 18, 1942, in Owatonna, the son of Lloyd and Lucille (Pobanz) Beese. He grew up in Owatonna. He was baptized on Nov. 2, 1942, and confirmed on March 25, 1956, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Owatonna.

Gary graduated from Owatonna High School in 1960, Mankato State University in 1967 with a Bachelor of Science degree and the University of Wisconsin in 1973, with a teaching degree.

On Aug. 5, 1967, Gary was united in marriage to Mary Ann Christenson at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Robbinsdale. Gary taught science and math at Elmore, Janesville and United South Central schools, retiring in 2011. He coached football and wrestling as well as refereed for both sports. During his summers, he worked with his dad for Beese Trucking.

Gary was a member of Grace Lutheran Church and the Minnesota Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association. He was currently teaching driver’s education in Albert Lea. Gary enjoyed reading, being outdoors, bike riding, cross-country skiing and canoeing. Most of all, he loved time with family — especially his grandchildren. Gary was a superfan of his grandchildren, supporting them in their education, school activities, sports, along with any and all of their interests.

Gary is survived by his wife, Mary Ann; children Amy (Jamison) Cichosz of Albert Lea, Christian (Chelanie) Beese of Charlottesville, Virginia, and Kari Severson of Eagle Lake; grandchildren Gavin Cichosz, Campbell Cichosz, Burke Cichosz, Beck Severson, Mika Cichosz, Allison Beese and Brie Severson; and sister-in-law, Carol Christenson of Albert Lea.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents Lloyd and Lucille; and in-laws Harry and Anna Christenson.