BIG LAKE, Minn. – Gary Stolp passed away March 3, 2017, at the home of his daughter in Lingle. He was 75.
Mr. Stolp was born March 12, 1941, in Saint Paul, Minn., the son of Evelith and Lloyd Tubbs. He grew up in Forest Lake, Minn., where one of his favorite activities was riding around the neighborhood in his goat buggy.
He resided in Forest Lake until his mother was remarried to Harry Stolp and the family moved to Hasty, Minn. Mr. Stolp graduated from Monticello High School in 1960 and, shortly after, was married to his high school sweetheart, Margaret Lind.
The couple raised a family near Little Eagle Lake outside Monticello, where they enjoyed boating, fishing, snowmobiling, ice skating and horseback riding. He worked as a shear operator at DeBourgh Manufacturing for many years before pursuing other occupations, which included owning and operating a taxi service, owning and operating a fishing resort in northern Minnesota and owning and operating adult foster care homes in Washington and Minnesota.
Mr. Stolp’s final occupation before retirement was as manager of Mississippi Shores in Monticello, where he enjoyed card games and pizza parties with the residents.
He had a passion for horses. Mr. and Mrs. Stolp enjoyed many trail rides throughout 13 states while members of a local saddle club. He raised and sold Missouri Foxtrotters from his hobby farm outside Monticello.
The couple enjoyed wintering in Apache Junction, Ariz., for the past seven years prior to his passing. They belonged to a hiking club and enjoyed exploring the local sites and volunteering at the local food bank.
Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Margaret (Lind), his son, Rick (Linda), son Todd (Sally), and daughter Cheryl, five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and brothers Harley and Larry. Mr. Stolp was preceded in death by his parents.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
