Gary Barsness

A private family graveside service for Gary Barsness, of Hancock, Minnesota will take place at Lakeside Cemetery, Hancock, Minnesota.

To protect the health and safety of all, services are currently being limited as required by state and local authorities and the CDC. Expressions of sympathy during this time can be left on the condolences page available with the obituary on our website. Check the funeral home website for the latest COVID-19 update.

Gary Eugene Barsness, son of Sherman and Bernice (Weise) Barsness, was born September 19, 1947 at Stevens County Memorial Hospital, Morris MN. His youth was spent on farms south of Hancock. He was baptized and confirmed at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church in Hancock. A beaming smile through a freckled face shaded by a Minnesota Twins hat was his trademark. Having a passion for sports, especially baseball, Gary was a fixture at the Hancock ballpark where he pitched for the Hancock Owls and played infield for the church, he was baptized in, Our Redeemer's Lutheran.

After graduating Hancock High School, Gary attended University of Minnesota Morris where he received degrees in Economics and Psychology. Soon after, Gary left the country life for a banking career in Minneapolis working for Twin City Federal, NorWest Bank and Wells Fargo Bank. Discipline, organization, preparedness and promptness were staples of Gary's firm, honest handshake. A lifelong bachelor, he enjoyed his independence and self-sufficient style fully content accomplishing goals on his terms. Notable was Gary's penmanship being fluid and artistic. Anyone fortunate to get a hand penned letter from Gary recognized his unique talent.

2012 was the year Gary retired from banking returning to Hancock and the quiet country life he knew as a child. Here he built the home of his dreams and filled it with impressive wildlife and southwestern art he spent his lifetime collecting. Liking all Minnesota sports teams, he was especially fond of the Twins, Vikings and Minnesota Golden Gophers football and basketball squads. He also had a very special place in his heart for his great-niece’s chihuahua Stella.

Those who knew him best admired his sincerity, honesty and recognized his subtle sense of humor.  Gary's favorite colors were "Easter egg pastels", favorite number "lucky seven" and the "70's" was his cherished decade for all the great music.

Gary passed peacefully, at the home of his sister, Kathy Meierding,  on Friday, May 15, 2020 after a lengthy illness. He was 72 years old.

He is survived by sister: Kathy Meierding of Hancock; brother: Dale (Cathy) Barsness of Duck Creek, UT and many nieces, nephews and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his brother: Richard Barsness; sister: Joan Stigen; brother-in-law: Darwin Stigen and brother-in-law: Elmer Meierding Jr.

May you rest in eternal peace, Gary. You will be missed.

Please consider leaving a personalized photo/message for the family through our Heartstrings Program, which is located on our home page. Pedersen Funeral Home will display your photo/message for the family to have a tangible presence at their services through this difficult time.

Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.