Gerald Dean "Gary" DeBoer

Gerald Dean "Gary" DeBoer, 83, of Aitkin, passed away April 20, 2026, at the St. Cloud Hospital. Born November 14, 1942, in Pine River to Charles and Della (Carlson) DeBoer, he married Karen Anderson on October 11, 1997, in Monticello.

Gary retired after 37 years as a 5th-grade teacher in the Monticello School District and was also a longtime Realtor for Wright Sherburne Realty. He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Crosby and volunteered at the Crosby Food Shelf. Gary and Karen enjoyed winters in Orange Beach, AL. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, golfing at Cuyuna Country Club, visiting the casino, and was an avid reader, cribbage, and card player. He enjoyed hunting and fishing in his younger years.

Gary is survived by his wife, Karen; son, Matt DeBoer (Charlotte, NC); daughter, Katie DeBoer Hermann (Monticello); step-daughters, Tamara Anderson (Minnetonka) and Tricia (Reed) Varner (Minnetonka); sister, Cheryl Lundrigan (Pelican Rapids); four grandchildren, Olivia (Lance) Penegar, Chandler DeBoer, Presley Hermann, and Tyler Hermann; step-grandchildren, Anna Varner, Grant Varner, Davis Varner, and Henrik Anderson; and one great-grandchild, Rhyse Penegar. He was preceded in death by his parents and step-son, Tyler Anderson.

A Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 22, 2026, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Crosby, with visitation one hour prior. Arrangements are by the Koop Funeral Home in Crosby.

A celebration of Gary’s life will be held from 3:00-6:00 p.m. on July 1, 2026, at the Monticello American Legion.