Gary R. Pladson

GARY R. PLADSON   Gary Pladson, age 78, of Grand Forks, ND died peacefully at home surrounded by family on Wednesday, March 14, 2018. Gary was born March 7, 1940 to Arthur and Millie (Anderson) Pladson in Grand Forks, ND.  He grew up in Grand Forks and attended high school at Grand Forks Central where he graduated in 1958.  After high school he married Jane (Logan) Gunther and they had three daughters; Laurie, Christy, and Julie. Most of Gary’s life he worked as a dispatcher for trucking companies in Grand Forks and Fargo, North Dakota and in Fertile, MN.  Gary was a husband, son, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and a devoted loyal friend to many. In 1988, Gary married the love of his life and his best friend Cindy (Ralston).  For thirty years they enjoyed spending time with family and many close friends.  Gary’s competitive spirit never wavered and Cindy would join in the fun.  So, let it be known, if anyone owes Gary on a lost bet…. he is waiting for you.  Pinochle, card games, watching NY Yankees and Green Bay Packers, attending grandchildren’s events, to name just a few of the things Gary and Cindy enjoyed doing together.  They shared so much love, so many laughs, and endless memories.  Cindy feels truly blessed.  “It’s hard to forget someone who gave you so much to remember” is what consumes Cindy’s heart and hearts of many.  Gary is survived by his wife Cindy, his daughters Laurie (Tom) Kuchera (Sioux City, IA), Christy (Jerry) Areshenko (Port Coquitlam, BC Canada), Julie (Paul) Gilbertson (Grand Forks, ND), his mother Millie Schroeder (Grand Forks, ND), and brother Dennis (Bonnie) Pladson (Seattle, WA).  He was a proud grandfather of five grandchildren; Annie (Massimo) Nardone, Jake (Abby) Areshenko, Logan (Ashley) Kuchera, Mackenzie (Danny) Rudeen, and Zach Gilbertson.  He was also blessed with one great grandson, Vincenzo Nardone, and two great grandsons arriving in June and August of 2018. Please join us for a Celebration of Life on Saturday, March 17, 2018 from 11:00am to 1:00pm at the American Legion, 1009 Central Ave. NW, East Grand Forks, MN.