Gary Richard Bader

Bader, Gary R., age 71 of Plymouth, MN passed away peacefully on April 27, 2020.

Gary was born in Lehr, North Dakota on February 3, 1949. Shortly thereafter, his family moved to Wishek, North Dakota where he was raised. Graduating from Wishek High School in 1967, Gary eventually settled in the Minneapolis area, where he lived most of his life. 

Gary had a knack for working with machinery and tools and took a job with Amoco Oil as a mechanic in downtown Minneapolis, eventually becoming the manager of a local service station. In 1985, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to purchase American Vacuum and Appliance in downtown Wayzata, MN. He enjoyed being part of the Plymouth/Wayzata community where he lived, and owned and operated the business for 27 years until his retirement in 2012.

He was an aviation enthusiast which led him to earn his private pilot’s license. He loved being in the air in his Cessna 182 and often flew around the Midwest including back home to Wishek for visits. Unfortunately, a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes later in life grounded him from re-certifying his license. Undeterred, Gary turned his attention back to his passion for classic cars and automotive mechanics. He loved cruising around in his 1923 T-bucket roadster, and eventually became a founding member of the Minnesota T’z car club. He was an active member in the club and greatly enjoyed the comradery of fellow car enthusiasts.

Gary was hard working and bull-headed, but he was also quick with his wit and fast with a joke. He had an infectious laugh and was always willing to help anyone in need. What brought him the greatest joy, though, was his family. He loved his children and grandchildren with the relentless, stubborn perseverance that only a “Grumpy German” could.

He is preceded in death by his parents Magdelena (Maggie) and Richard (Dick) and brother Duane Goebel. He is survived by his former wife of 34 years Ann Holt, daughter Heidi (Jon) Kise, and son Adam (Aimee) Bader, two grandchildren Norah and Logan, brother Marvin (Diana) Goebel, Sister LoAnn Differding, Sister-in-law Joanne Goebel

Due to current circumstances a gathering will be scheduled at a later date to celebrate his life.

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