Service Information
Gary “Gnu” Koll, age 62, of Plato, Minnesota, passed away Friday, June 25, 2021, at his home in Plato surrounded by his loving family.
Memorial Service will be Thursday, July 8, 2021, 11:00 A.M. at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Hamburg, Minnesota.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be Wednesday, July 7, 2021, from 3:00 P.M.-8:00 P.M. at 1 4th Ave. NE, Plato, Minnesota, and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.
Gnu’s request was for everyone to wear super casual wear, preferably racing shirts.
Gary had a strong appreciation for the elderly and those with disabilities. His family strongly encourages them to attend and pay their respects, all necessary steps will be taken to avoid them from standing and waiting.
Following the Memorial Service, a luncheon will be held at the King Pin Pub, 132 Main St. S., Plato, Minnesota.
Obituary
Gary “Gnu” Koll was born on February 18, 1959, in Shakopee, Minnesota. He was the son of Anthony and Marie (Wiechman) Koll and grew up in Chaska, Minnesota. After graduating from Chaska High School Gary went to trade school in Hutchinson, Minnesota.
Gary was united in marriage to Wanda Schuft. Gary and Wanda were blessed with two sons, Travis and Jeremy.
On August 26, 1994, Gary was united in marriage to Diane Braunworth at the Moravian Church in Waconia. After their marriage, the couple resided in Plato. Gary had worked temporarily at Bills Repair in Plato and worked about 35 years at the Glencoe Co-op. Gary and Diane shared almost 27 years of marriage. Gary was a member of the Plato Fire Department for 24 years retiring in 2009.
Gary loved car racing, all classes, and drove hobby cars for a few years. He traveled to many race tracks around the country where he met many people and sometimes would take time out for side sightseeing trips. He enjoyed fishing, especially ice fishing where he could bring his wheelhouse and nestle in with his friends. He helped with the Plato Fish Fry, was a Santa for the Lions breakfast with Santa, he was active in helping out many organizations with getting LP delivered and troubleshooting the equipment used in fund raising, but mostly loved solving the world problems with friends while having a beer. He enjoyed meeting new people. A special thank you to all his Plato brothers and sisters that he loved.
Gary passed away Friday, June 25, 2021, at his home in Plato, Minnesota, surrounded by his loving family, at the age of 62 years. Blessed be his memory.
Gary is survived by his;
Wife, Diane Koll of Plato, MN;
Sons, Travis Koll and his wife, Vanessa of Lester Prairie, MN, and
Jeremy Koll and special friend, Mollie Haggenmiller of Arlington, MN;
Grandchild, Aubree Koll;
Siblings, Judi (Rick) Stone, Anne (Mark Burandt) Cole and Dan Koll;
In-laws, Bill Braunworth, Doug Braunworth, Susan (Joe) Diethelm, Robert (Raylyn) Braunworth, Dan Braunworth;
Mother-in-law, Lorraine Braunworth;
Nieces, Nephews, other relatives and friends.
Gary was preceded in death by his Parents, Anthony and Marie Koll; Father-in-law, Lloyd Braunworth.
Lolly Naab says
So sorry to hear of his passing. He was a great guy and a lot of fun. Sympathy and prayers to you all.
Douglas R Schuster says
Going to the races will never be the same. I never met a man with a bigger heart then his. Feel so sorry for you Diane. Just know he is always with us all. He is always right beside us. We may not see him but he will always be in a warm place in our hearts. The Schuster Boys and our 2 little girls. Maggie and Abby Mae. They have there paws out wanting to give you a hug
Michelle and Tom Malchow says
So sorry to hear this, Gnu was a great guy, Prayers and sympathy to you all.
Roger hunt says
We will miss you claus. Think of youwhen watching at the racetrack. Deepest sympathy to the family
Virginia Aghevli says
DIANE,
I WILL NOT BE THERE IN PERSON, BUT BELIEVE ME,I WILL BE WITH YOU IN LOVE.
YOU HAVE A FAMILY THAT WILL HELP GET YOU THROUGH THIS LOSS.
HUGS ,
AUNT GINNY
Jim Mueller says
There will never be another Gnu. I was a 19 year old kid when i started working with you at the coop. You taught me alot. And i was very lucky to have known you. Rest in peace my freind.
Cousin Dave Wagner says
My most sincere condolences regarding Gary’s passing. May he R.I.P.
Tom & Pam Kamish says
So sorry to hear of Gary’s passing! We looked for him at Jackson Motorplex and we are at Cedar Lake Speedway and he wasn’t here! So we were worried about him! We will miss talking to him! He was a great guy! Our prayers are with you and your families! Love and hugs
Tom and Pam Kamish
Brenda Thiewes says
Sorry for your loss. Wishing we could be with you. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and the family. Remembering all the times we got together at Grandpa and Grandma Koll’s and family picnics. Pat-Charlie and myself were talking over the different times we were together this weekend while we were camping. Talked to Sharon today and asked if she was going to make it. She said her mother-in-law passed away this morning so she wasn’t going to be able to come either.
Lover
Your Cousin
Brenda(Schmitz)Thiewes