Gary E. VandeBrake passed away the evening of Thursday, Oct. 25, 2018, after a long battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren as he left to be with the Lord, leaving one loving home for another.

Gary was born Jan. 1, 1942, to Gertrude and Cornelus VandeBrake in Blooming Prairie. He married Shirley on July 19, 1963, and they raised two sons, Todd and Dean. Gary worked as a machinist for over 50 years, and his shop was his passion.

Gary loved people well. He was always willing to offer advice about anything from fixing a car to life and relationships. He truly cared about everyone he came in contact with, treating strangers like long-lost friends. He was filled with gratitude and never took any act of kindness for granted. He prayed for his family faithfully and demonstrated how to be a godly husband and father in everything he did. Gary never took life too seriously and the humor and laughter he brought to every family gathering will be sadly missed.

Gary was preceded in death by his father, Cornelus, and his mother, Gertrude. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Shirley; two siblings, Dorothy and Dave; two sons, Todd and Dean; daughters-in-law Debbie and Suzanna; five grandchildren; and the many others who knew and loved him.

A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Friday at The Church on the Ranch in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Gary’s home church, Church on the Ranch.