Gary V. Hanesalo

Gary Verner Hanesalo was born on March 28, 1950, to Verner and Margaret Hanesalo in Devils Lake, ND. He attended Enterprise Elementary School in Pelto, ND, and went on to Lakota where he completed high school. He graduated from UND with a degree in English. He taught at various schools and was teaching in Ely, Nevada when he passed away.

Gary was a generous, caring person with a great sense of humor and wit. He had a tremendous love for animals and was involved with the Humane Society in Ely, NV, rescuing abandoned animals. He was also active politically for the Democratic Party.

Gary passed away on Friday, July 21, 2017, in Ely, Nevada. He is survived by his mother, Margaret Hanesalo, Devils Lake, ND; his sister, Shirley (Gary) Johnson, Moorhead, MN; his niece, Kristin (John) McDermott, Moorhead, MN; and his special friend, Jennifer Messina, Ely, Nevada. He was preceded in death by his father, Verner Hanesalo; and his infant sister, Marie Hanesalo.

A private family service will be held at the Aaker Funeral Home, Lakota, ND, with Rev. Dale Peterson officiating. Burial will be at the Enterprise Finnish Cemetery, rural Brocket, ND.