Gary D. Fenice

Gary D. Fenice, 64, Moose Lake, died Saturday, October 5, 2019 in Mercy Hospital, Moose Lake with the loving presence of his family by his side.  He was born on October 9, 1954 in Saint Marys, PA to Arthur and Zita Fenice.  As a young child, he moved with his family to Columbus, OH and later Pickerington, OH where he graduated from high school.  Gary worked as an auto mechanic with his Dad and Brother John at J & A Auto in Pickerington.  In January 1984, Gary married Cindy Dockal.  During his time in Pickerington, Gary was a State FFA Officer, volunteer firefighter, paramedic, and city council member.  In 1991, they moved to Moose Lake and Gary later started Fenice Automotive which he operated until May 2019 retiring due to health reasons. Gary used his excellent mechanic skills, his charismatic personality, and the ability to talk and socialize with people to operate a very successful auto repair shop.  He loved drag racing, fishing, working on cars, Mopar, watching movies especially James Bond, camping with his kids, and did we mention he loved drag racing and working on cars.   Most of all, Gary cherished every moment he had with his grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, John.

Gary will be lovingly remembered by his four daughters: Madeline (Ross) Stewart of Moose Lake; Veronica (Jason) Youngberg of Moose Lake; Jennefer (Mike) Rarey of Reynoldsburg, OH; and Heather (Brodie) Tomczak of Kettle River; seven grandchildren: Ethan Tomczak, Austin Tomczak, Landin Kurhajetz, Logan Tomczak, Ava Beer, Ana Beer, and Frances Stewart; step-mom: Carolyn Fenice of Columbus, OH; sister: Sandy (John) Betts of Forest Lake; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

A Visitation and Gathering of Family and Friends will be from 4-7 PM Thursday, October 10, 2019 in Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, 609 Folz Blvd., Moose Lake, MN 55767.  There will be no formal service but rather a time to say goodbye, share stories, and do what Gary was great at: talking and socializing with friends.   Please also bring a written memory to place into a memory box sharing a great memory or story you have of Gary.  His family will cherish these forever.  Cremation will follow the visitation.  Memorials are preferred.

Blessed be the memory of Gary Fenice, a funny guy with a great smile who made a lasting impression on everyone he encountered by turning a stranger into a friend.  If someone asks why I’m missing, just let them know, I’m gone fishing!