Gary Rudolph Henstorf

Gary Rudolph Henstorf, 77, of Battle Lake, formerly of Otter Tail, Minnesota, passed away on January 2, 2026, at the Good Samaritan Society of Battle Lake.

Per Gary’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded and a Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Karvonen & Son Funeral Home in New York Mills, Minnesota. A time of fellowship will follow the service at the Otter Supper Club in Otter Tail.

Gary Rudolph Henstorf was born on July 15, 1948, in Perham, Minnesota, the son of Rudolph and Francis (Quittschriber) Henstorf. He was raised in the Perham area alongside his three sisters, Cheryl, Carol, and Paula. Gary graduated from Perham High School in 1966 and shortly thereafter enlisted in the United States Army, where he completed basic training in Florida. His time in the service helped shape him into the man he would be known as throughout his life—disciplined, dependable, and deeply committed to a strong work ethic.

After completing his military service, Gary returned to Minnesota in unforgettable fashion, driving home in his Hugger Orange 1969 Chevrolet Camaro with white racing stripes—a car he was immensely proud of and one he loved to remind everyone was the fastest in Perham.

Gary’s working life began in the potato fields of Perham, where he quickly learned the value of hard work from the ground up. He went on to work as a parts manager at Carr’s Marine in Otter Tail, later moving to Minnesota Valley Irrigation, and eventually returning once again to Carr’s Marine. Never one to shy away from responsibility or long hours, Gary later fulfilled a lifelong dream by opening his own small family business, “Bubba’s Parts & Toys,” which he later expanded with “Bubba’s Bobbers & Bait.” His shops became a familiar and trusted place in the community, just like Gary himself.

Above all, Gary was a people person who found true joy in helping others. He was known for his tremendous work ethic, his generosity, and his willingness to lend a hand—qualities he proudly passed on to his son, Josh. After a long day’s work, Gary was happiest sitting by the fire with an ice-cold beer and his beloved wife Sheila by his side. He cherished the simple things: fishing off the dock, grouse hunting, racing snowmobiles in his younger years, and spending time with family and friends.

Those left to honor Gary’s memory include his son, Josh Henstorf of Otter Tail, Minnesota; his step-daughter, Jennifer McDow of Lakeville, Minnesota; his sister, Paula Henstorf of Perham; his brother-in-law, Ray Ackermann of New York Mills; his best friends, Gene and Denny Davidson of Perham, and Dave and Debbie Guck, along with a host of other longtime friends and acquaintances.

Gary was preceded in death by his loving wife, Sheila; his parents, Rudolph and Francis Henstorf; and his sisters, Carol and Cheryl.

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