Gary Heikes, age 76, of Starbuck, formerly of Montevideo, died of natural causes unexpectedly at home on Oct. 13, 2025.
A memorial service celebrating Gary will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Montevideo with Pastor Jeff Fitzkappes officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Arrangements are with the Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home in Glenwood.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the Disabled American Veterans of Minnesota, honoring Gary’s lifelong support of his fellow servicemen and women. Call or email to donate 612-291-1212 or admin@davmn.org.
Gary Emmet Heikes was born in Worthington, Minnesota, on June 26, 1949. Gary lived a life marked by courage, devotion, and unwavering love for his family. Drafted into the United States Army, Gary served his country with honor in Vietnam, where he was wounded in combat and received the Purple Heart. He also earned the Bronze Star Medal. His service remained a profound part of his life, reflecting his strength, resilience and patriotism.
Gary met Sue while “dragging Main” in Montevideo. On May 26, 1974, Gary married his “one and only,” Sue, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Montevideo. Together, they built a beautiful life, raising three wonderful daughters through years spent in Fargo-Moorhead, Ortonville, Rock Rapids, and ultimately settling in Montevideo. Gary was a proud businessman, working at and later owning Folkestad Furniture, where he served his community until his retirement in 2022.
In retirement Gary found joy dividing his time between his cherished lake cabin on Lake Minnewaska and winters in Florida. He rediscovered his love of golf, took pleasure in his sailing club, enjoyed playing sudoku, and never missed a chance to cheer on his grandchildren at their many events. His way of connecting with people showed through in his fun-loving personality, steadiness and sense of humor. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Gary died unexpectedly of natural causes at home on Oct. 13, 2025.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Emmet and Helen (Bohnart), brother, Ronald Heikes and his wife, Gloria.
He is survived by his loving wife, Susan Heikes, daughters, Christie Heikes (husband Andrew Arthur, grandchildren Callie and Campbell Arthur), Jill Hink (husband Mat, grandchildren Avery, Mason and Kendall Hink) and Kari Heikes; two sisters Sharon (Neil) Dohlmann and Liela (Bill) Jackson; and many nieces and nephews. He also adored his two “furry” grandchildren Murphy and Gus.
Gary’s legacy of love, service, and family will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
To send online condolences to the family visit hoplinfuneralhome.com and click on obituaries.
