Gary Clinton Stamman, 86, of Rochester, Minnesota, passed away peacefully with family members at his side on Saturday, April 6.
Gary was born Aug. 15, 1937, on a farm just outside of Hardwick, Minnesota, to Clinton and Vione Stamman. Gary attended Luverne High School where he excelled in football, baseball and fastpitch softball.
He met his beloved wife Marion at a dance at the Arkota Ballroom on Dec. 23, 1960. Their years together were a love affair for the ages.
After graduating from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Geology, Gary got a teaching degree from St. Cloud State, and then received his master’s degree from the University of South Dakota. He taught seventh grade math for 32 years at Kellogg Junior High School in Rochester. Gary also coached football and baseball at Kellogg.
Besides being husband to Marion, he was father to Tom (Teresa), Debbie Anthony (Mitchell), Terry (Kristen), Brad (Andrea) and Joanna Chadwick (Bryan). Gary was also a grandfather of 20 and great-grandfather of 15.
Regardless of where Gary went in Rochester, whether to the store or a local game, former students would come up and say hi to him. He remembered their names — and many times even where they sat in class.
A private ceremony honoring his life and legacy will be held in June.