Gary Lee Spielman, age 71, of Coon Rapids, formerly of East Grand Forks, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family in the early hours of December 6th, 2023. Gary was born on February 6th, 1952, to Richard Arlo Spielman and Rhoda (Weisbrod) Spielman in Tracy, MN. Gary graduated from Tracy High School in 1970. He attended Bemidji State University where he met his future wife, Rosemary Elene Wagner, over a broken arrow. They would have been married for 50 years come August 10th, 2024. He graduated summa cum laude with minors in chemistry and computer science and majors in math and accounting. He passed the certified public accounting exam prior to graduating in 1974.

Gary began (1974) and ended (2014) his career at Minn Kota Power Cooperative as he worked his way through various accounting and finance positions, retiring as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. He held a private pilot's license and was an avid sailor until he decided to become a very bad walleye fisherman in 2018 when he sold his sailboat and bought a pontoon. He looked forward to his time "up north" at Shores of Leech Lake Yacht Club and Marina for over 25 seasons where he took residence with Rose each summer and where he had many pirate friends. His competitive spirit emerged each August when he raced his sailboat in the Leech Lake Regatta.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Richard Arlo Spielman and Rhoda (Weisbrod) Fredericks. He is survived by his wife, Rosemary Elene (Wagner) Spielman; and daughters, Clover (Spielman) Anderson, and Heather Spielman. He was the world's greatest grandfather to Everett, Xavier, Sullivan, and Vivian. His surviving siblings include Keith (Karen) Spielman, Steven (Kathy) Spielman, Mike (Peggy) Spielman, Jim (Terry) Spielman, Kevin (Tina) Spielman, Elaine (Al) Sikkink; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held at Grace Lutheran Church in Andover, Minnesota on Thursday, December 14th. The visitation will begin at 10am, the service at 11am, and a luncheon and storytelling at 12pm. The service will also be live-streamed for those unable to attend. In lieu of flowers, Gary wishes that memorials in his name are made to the Grace Lutheran Transforming In and Out fund.