Gary Tighe

Gary C. Tighe, age 65, of Owatonna, passed away Sunday morning at his sons home in Pillager, MN. A Celebration of Garys Lifeincluding visitation with the family will be from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Saturday, July 29, 2006, at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Owatonna.
Gary was born on November 10, 1940, in New York City, the son of Charles and Ila Belle (Alexander) Tighe. He graduated from Kodiak High School, Kodiak, Alaska in 1958. Following his education he entered the United States Marine Corps on August 8, 1958, serving his country in Okinawa and other Asian countries as well as Beaufort, South Carolina until being honorably discharged on August 4, 1962. Returning from the Marines he went to work for his uncle in Olivia, MN, and then as purchasing agent for Brandt Electric. In March of 1968 he married Carol Zahnow and to this union 4 children were born. In 1979 they moved to Owatonna and he went to work for the Owatonna Canning Company, retiring in 1996. He enjoyed car racing and followed the NASCAR circuit. He owned his own Legends race car and won the Masters Division Championship title in 1998. Gary had also done volunteer work at the Minnesota Rapture Center. He loved the large birds, especially eagles.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Ila Belle. Gary is mourned in passing by his children, Chad (Casie) Tighe of Pillager, MN, Andrea (Tom Jarvi) Tighe of Owatonna, MN, Matthew (Jolene) Tighe of Savage, MN, and Aaron Tighe of Owatonna, MN; his grandchildren, Isabella, Alexander, and Olivia; his sister, Lynne Tighe of Anaheim Hills, CA; and Friday his faithful schnauzer.