~ IN MEMORY ~
Navy veteran, RC/NWA Capt. Gary W. Hietala
December 12, 1943 — December 16, 2024
PCN memorial site
https://www.simpletraditions.com/obituaries/gary-hietala
Obituary Gary Wayne Hietala
Gary W. Hietala, long-time Saint Paul resident,
died December 16, four days after his 81st birthday. He is survived by his
loving wife of 47 years, Diane Follmer, and four children: Cynthia, Scottsdale
AZ, Wayne, Columbia Heights, Stephanie, Bloomington, and Stephen, Palm Coast
FL. Also survived by 12 grandchildren, an increasing number of
great-grandchildren, three sisters-in-law, nephew Bob Byerly, nieces and
nephews, good friend Bradley Ruona and a host of friends.
Gary was an airline pilot who received numerous
commendations for his airplane skill and safety. Before joining Republic
Airlines and Northwest Airlines, he flew corporate aviation for several Twin
Cities companies.
He was born in Seattle, Washington to Navy
parents, lived some of his school years in the Minneapolis Kenwood area where
he knew many residents because he had a paper route, and graduated from Aitkin
High School in Aitkin, Minn. He held credits at Metro State University. He
served in the U.S. Navy with honorable discharge in 1965.
Gary was a world traveler and terrific traveling
companion. He could recall from memory the major streets in most large cities
in the U.S. and many countries in Europe. He enjoyed going on cruises to see
even more of the world.
Gary and Diane tackled some large projects
together. They moved an 1893 Victorian house and restored it. Their home was
pictured in National Geographic and numerous other publications. Then they
moved several additional houses to provide community housing. They started a
boat trip down the Mississippi River one year on November 1 and shoveled snow
off the decks as they went south, the first of seven trips up and down the
Mississippi River. Gary owned and restored several boats and was a member of
the Saint Paul Yacht Club. He acquired his 100-ton Captain license and
captained many boats on long voyages on major waterways.
He was preceded by his parents Bessie and Arthur
Hietala, brother Mark, special aunt Alice Haapoja, parents-in-law Carl and Ruth
Follmer, good friend Dan Trampe and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Gary was a friend to all. He will be dearly missed
by his host of family and friends. Memorials may be directed to your favorite
animal rescue program, an Indigenous Peoples program such as Interfaith Action
Department of Indian Work (651-789-3864) or Sharing and Caring Hands.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date
after we have wiped our tears.
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