Gary Gese

Age 57 of Columbia Heights. Passed away July 8, 2012. Gary grew up in Columbia Heights and graduated from Columbia Heights High School. Gary's parents owned Rhythmland Roller Rink in NE Minneapolis, where he learned to roller skate as soon as he could walk. He enjoyed floating around the floor while waltzing with his sisters. He had a unique style of skating that everyone learned to follow. It was quite a site to see a line of people with their feet frantically moving, all in step. As he entered his teen years he became the DJ that played the songs and games for everyone that came to the rink. He shared that role with a few others up until the rink closed in 2001. It was there that he made lifelong friends and became what some of the regulars referred to him as "their surrogate dad". Music was a big part of his life and he enjoyed playing the guitar and singing. There wasn't a family camping trip that the guitar wasn't carefully packed and brought along. Another thing that Gary never went anywhere without was his cowboy hat. He enjoyed listening to old radio shows like "The Shadow" and had a collection of them on tape. Gary loved animals and had several pets. His love for both animals and his grandchildren was proven when his grandkids cat was sick and they could not afford the vet. Gary didn't have much either but he dug deep and somehow came up with what they needed to pay the vet bill. Gary was multi-talented and aside from music, he was quite accomplished at drawing and painting. He even dabbled at computer animation at one time.
Preceded in death by his parents. Survived by daughters Angie (Gary) Hendrickson, Melanie (Jay) Pierce & Rachel Gese; son Nate Lindquist; grandchildren Samantha & Mark; significant other Kathy Nelson; sisters Judy Sowka, Karen Haverty & Barb Gese; brother Tony (Ginger) Gese; step-children Maria & Amanda; nieces & nephews. Memorial service 11:00 AM Friday in the Miller Funeral Home Chapel, 6210 Hwy 65 NE, Fridley. Visitation 1 hour prior to the service.