Gary Pipek

Gary John Pipek, 65, of Staples, passed away Sunday, May 8, 2022, at his home. 

Mass of Christian Burial was held May 13, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Staples with Father Aaron Kuhn, presiding. 

Interment was at Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Staples.

Gary was born December 27, 1956 to George and Delores (Martin) Pipek in Bertha. He married Karen Henry August 20, 1983. Together they raised seven children.

Gary began working on the Burlington Northern Railroad March 27, 1975 and enjoyed his work primarily as an engineer until retiring in December of 2016. When he wasn’t working, he was always on the go, selling firewood, growing pumpkins, corn and even a brief stint as a beekeeper. He enjoyed elk hunting in Colorado and backpacking in Montana.

Gary especially loved his family, spending time playing with his grandkids: Kara (Riley), Maiya, Mady, Bethany, Boston, Parker, Paisley, Hoyce, Patrick, Scout, Ezekiel and Henry. He loved sharing a variety of adventures with his family including the annual ski trip to Montana, processing maple syrup and sharing the “medicine” with the kids.

Gary will be deeply missed by his wife of 38 years, Karen and their children, Allison (Devin) Smith of Valbonne, France, Aaron (LaRena) Rondeau of Spokane, WA, Zachary (Jenna) Pipek of Vergas, Emma (Kyle) Grotluschen of Barnesville, Sonja Pipek of Olympia, WA, John (Katie) Pipek of Kalispell, MT, Theresa Pipek, Wasilla, AK; four siblings, Karen (Tom) Schuster, Dan (Anna) Pipek, Diane (Chuck) Gillespie and Pam (Greg) Schmitz; 11 grandchildren and one great-grandson.

He is preceded in death by his parents and one daughter, Lily Fiona.

Arrangements were by Taylor Funeral Home of Staples.

               w21c  A00006B2022MY18