Gary Lee Coauette

Gary Lee Coauette, 67, lifelong resident of Crookston, MN, passed away Wednesday morning, March 27, 2024, in the Benedictine Living Community Crookston with his loving family by his side.

 Gary was born on December 7, 1956 in Crookston, the son of Harvey and Doris (LaPlante) Coauette. He was baptized and confirmed at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception and began his education in the Cathedral Elementary School. After his graduation from Mount St. Benedict High School with the Class of 1975 he went on to attend St. Cloud State University. Upon his return to Crookston, and for the next several years, Gary worked for agriculturally based local businesses including Agsco, Massey Ferguson, Crookston Implement, and Red River Distributing. On January 13, 1979 he was united in marriage to his longtime sweetheart, Laurie Carlstrom. They would soon be blessed by the births of daughter, Jordan, and son, Grant. Gary began employment with Crookston NAPA and Welding, managing the Parts Department until his retirement in 2019. 

 From their early childhood Gary and Laurie introduced their kids to the joys of camping. Norway Beach, near Cass Lake, MN, was a favorite destination through the years, as was a cabin on Loon Lake near Nevis, MN. Nothing was stronger than the lifelong friendships that were formed while gathered around shared campfires in the evening, sharing stories and singing favorite oldies songs. Gary had a great voice and had enjoyed singing at his sister’s wedding many years ago. He loved sports and was fiercely loyal to the Twins, Vikings, and Gopher Hockey. Late winter-early spring meant taking a not-to-be-missed trek to the Twin Cities for the Minnesota High School State Hockey Tournament where enough memories were made each year to last to the next. 

 Gary and Laurie were devoted to each other and extremely proud of Jordan and Grant, and their families. Nothing brought a bigger sparkle to Gary’s eyes than when he knew that the grandchildren were coming for a visit. His hugs, laughter, and teasing will play a huge part in the ways they will always remember their grandpa. 

 Gary leaves Laurie, his beloved soul-mate for the last 45 years; their daughter, Jordan Coauette and her husband, Justin Edstrom, and their children, Collins and Beckett of Fargo, ND; son, Grant Coauette and his wife, Amber, and their children Anders and Iris of Bemidji, MN; 5 siblings and spouses: Mary Jo Wallace, Dennis and Sherry Coauette of Crookston, Dave and Louise Coauette of Apple Valley, MN, Nancy and Lowell Brandner of East Grand Forks, MN, and Laurie and Steve Erickson of Crookston; and from Laurie’s side of the family her siblings: Leslie Strem and fiancé, Daniel Showley of Rochester, IN, Duane and Jodie Carlstrom of Moorhead, MN, Darin and Christy Carlstrom of East Grand Forks, MN, and Brad and Jenny Carlstrom of Crookston; as well as, many nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends.

 Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Doris Coauette, brother-in-law, James Wallace; parents-in-law, Bob and Ardis Carlstrom, and brother-in-law, Jan Strem. May God richly bless the memory of Gary Lee Coauette.   

     The Memorial Service for Gary Coauette will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, April 1, 2024, in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Crookston, with The Rev. Chad Brucklacher, officiating. Visitation with the family will be at the Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home on Sunday, March 31^st, from 5-7:00 p.m., with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service, and will continue at the Church for one hour prior to the service Monday. Both services will be livestreamed by going to Gary’s obituary page at www.stenshoelhouske.com and clicking on the prompt to view. Messages of condolence may also be offered to Laurie, Jordan, Grant and their families on the funeral home website as well.