Gerald "Gary" Schimpp

Gerald Manley Schimpp, 81, of Staples, passed away at his home Nov. 17, 2021, after losing a difficult battle with Covid-19.

An 11 a.m. funeral service will be held Wednesday, Nov. 24, at Staples Alliance Church, preceded by a visitation at 10 a.m.

Following the funeral, a graveside service with full military honors will be held at the Thomastown Covenant Church Cemetery in rural Staples.

To reduce the risk of Covid-19 exposure, the family encourages masks and is providing an option to view the service via the church’s Facebook live-stream at facebook.com/staplesalliance. The family deeply regrets not providing a luncheon.

Gary was born to Andrew and Mayme (Holman) Schimpp on March 31, 1940, at the family homeplace in rural Staples. Shortly after, the Schimpps moved to their farm in Bullard Township, where Gary lived until his graduation from Staples High School in 1958. From early on, it was clear that Gary was a gifted musician, class clown, leader, and avid learner...all characteristics cultivated throughout his life.

Gary joined the U.S. Navy after high school, where he spent two years training in San Diego, Calif., followed by two years of work at a dental lab in North Chicago. In 1960, destiny intervened at a wedding in Falun, Wisc., where Gary met the love of his life, Carmen Peterson, who later ditched her date when the handsome sailor, Gary, invited her for a ride with friends in a ’55 pink and white convertible. Later that evening they sang their FIRST duet and the rest is history. On Aug. 5, 1961, Gary and Carmen were married in her hometown of Grantsburg, Wisc. After being discharged from the Navy, they moved to Mankato, where their first-born daughter, Dawn, was born. Four years later they moved to Faribault, where their second daughter, Andrea, was born. They settled in Staples, where they welcomed their third daughter, Heather. “After that, we quit moving,” Gary often joked. Their move to Brainerd in 1968 marked the beginning of Gary’s 40-plus years in real estate, a career he enjoyed until his retirement in 2016. In addition to working with other companies, Gary opened his own office, Schimpp Real Estate, in his hometown of Staples. While working in Real Estate, Gary accepted a position as Director of Promotions for Minnesota Christian Broadcasters, Inc. (KTIG and KBHW), which led to the family gospel singing group, The Schimpps, that performed for over 40 years.

Faith was the foundation of Gary’s life. As a child he attended Thomastown Covenant Church and at the age of 12, made a commitment to Jesus Christ at Camp JIM. Gary and Carmen attended Staples Alliance Church for over 50 years. Gary served his church in several ways, including leading music and AWANA, conducting contatas, teaching Sunday School, and serving as a board member and elder.

Gary was a man of strong convictions, a devoted patriot, and civic minded. Gary was larger than life. His interests were varied and many, including singing, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, motorcycling, and reading. He had the gift of hospitality, the Schimpp home was always open to extended family and friends, who shared many meals, discussions, and laughter around the table. Gary was a devoted husband and a strong influencer in the lives of his daughters, instilling in them a passion for life and seizing the moment. He was an amazing grandfather and loved each of his grandchildren dearly.

Gary is survived by his wife of 60 years, Carmen; three daughters, Dawn (Gary) Timbs of Staples, Andrea (Scott) Carlson of Decorah, Iowa and Heather (David) Thompson of Burnsville; four grandchildren, Linnea (Lane), Hayden, Christian and Sawyer; siblings, Byron (Mary)  Schimpp of Ypsilanti, Mich., sister-in-law Ardis Schimpp of Staples, Judy (John) Todd of Eagan, Joyce Anderson of Isanti, Barb (Larry) Rach of Verndale,  David (Jocelyn) Schimpp of Remer; many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Donovan and Russell; one brother-in-law, Roger Anderson; one sister-in-law, Jackie Schimpp and one niece, Deb Bernstrom.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Staples.