Gary Lee Degenstein, the son of Leo and Magdalena “Maggie” (Kuntz) Degenstein, was born on March 18, 1959 in Rugby, North Dakota.  He died at the age of 56 years at the scene of a motor vehicle/farm implement collision near Rugby on Saturday, August 15, 2015.

Gary was raised in the rural Barton, North Dakota home of his parents and attended Rugby schools with the class of 1977.  In 1984, he was united in marriage to Kristine Evenson and to this union, three children were born.  Gary farmed with his family until he was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in 1992, leaving him disabled. Against all odds, Gary survived his brain tumor surgery and treatment, outliving the prognoses given to him.  During this time, he was able to enjoy time spent with his five grandchildren and two surviving children.  Gary had a passionate collection of music and movies and enjoyed trivia and game shows.  His extreme intelligence was often masked by his “stubbornness”, but he was a true and loving father, grandfather and friend to many.  Gary was looking forward to a planned trip to Washington, DC in May with his daughter and grandchildren.

Survivors include his children, Amanda (Jay) Loughman of Rugby and James Degenstein of Minot; his grandchildren, Brittany, Christian, Emma and Hayley of Rugby and Xander of Minot; mother, Maggie of Rugby, one brother, Leo Jay (Julie) of Westminster, Colorado; sisters, Delores (Jasper Jr.) Kleinjan of Horace and Brenda (Bill Muffenbier) Degenstein of Fargo; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by an infant son, Cyrus; his father; uncle, Kenneth Degenstein, aunt, Delores Neigum; and his grandparents.

A Memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, August 27^th at the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel in Rugby, with burial in the Little Flower Catholic Cemetery, Rugby.  Father Tom Graner, officiate.

Visitation with the family will be held for one hour prior to the time of the service.