Gary Buck

Gary Leslie Buck, 84, died on March 6, 2020, in Largo, FL. Gary was the younger of two boys, born to Ida (nee Haug) and L. Leslie Buck in Ladysmith, Wisconsin, on November 15, 1935. The family moved to Milltown, Wisconsin, when Gary was young. It was there that Gary attended school with Elaine J. Anderson, the future love of his life; and the two began dating during their senior year of high school. They graduated from Milltown High School with a class of exactly 14 girls and 14 boys. Gary went on to attend college at the University of Wisconsin-Rivers Falls, and the University of Minnesota. Gary and Elaine were married at Milltown Lutheran Church on July 21, 1957. Gary began working at 3M, so in 1960 the couple moved to Oakdale, MN to be closer to headquarters. Over the course of his tenure at 3M, he was able to travel all over Asia and Europe. Outside of work, he loved to travel for fun. Gary and Elaine visited all 50 states in their motorhome. Gary always joked that they did not drive, but they flew to Hawaii. Although everyone knew they would have driven if they could. Gary and Elaine raised their two sons, Brian and Kevin, in Oakdale near Tanner’s Lake. The family attended Grace Lutheran Church in St. Paul, MN, and later St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Mahtomedi, MN. Gary enjoyed sharing his golden voice with others, performing frequently as a soloist and in the choir at church. Gary dedicated his entire career to 3M, which was a true point of pride. He began his career in the mailroom, and advanced to a purchasing manager role because of his unique ability to develop relationships. He retired in 1996 after over 45 years of service. Once retired, he and Elaine became snowbirds who flew south each year to Mesa, Arizona. However, in the mid 2000’s, after visiting their son Kevin in Florida, the two decided to move to Largo, in the Tampa area. Sadly, Elaine passed away soon after in 2007, following 50 years of marriage. Fortunately, Gary and Elaine celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a beautiful party before Elaine’s passing. He was an avid walker and golfer throughout his life. Preceded in death by his parents; wife of almost 50 years, Elaine; and his brother, Douglas. Survived by his sons, Brian (LeeAnn) and Kevin (Nicole); grandchildren; Justin (Whitney), Brittany (Ryan) Sierakowski, and Nathaniel; great-grandchildren, Avery, Bennett and Dashiell; and many other family and friends. A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, November 21, 2020 at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 900 Stillwater Ave, Mahtomedi, MN 55115. All who wish to attend must pre-register via this link https://fs26.formsite.com/KG1Ywi/1igljm7b2u/index.html . Please register by Thursday, November 19,2020. If you are unable to attend you can view his service via livestream at https://vimeo.com/event/340831. Interment to follow at Evergreen Memorial Gardens.