Gary J. Niehoff

Gary J. Niehoff, age 68 of Waite Park, formerly of Melrose, passed away unexpectedly from natural causes on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at his home Waite Park, Minnesota.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 25 at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose with Deacon Ernie Kociemba officiating. A private inurnment will be held at a later date.
Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
Gary Niehoff was born on October 2, 1956, to Frank and Margaret Niehoff in Melrose, Minnesota, where he also spent his childhood. After graduating from high school, he moved to Alexandria, Minnesota, where he began a long career with Viking Coca-Cola. Over several years, Gary took on various roles within the company, eventually focusing on sales, where his expertise and dedication made him highly effective in his work.
Later, Gary moved to the St. Cloud area and eventually settled in Cold Spring, Minnesota, for several years while raising his sons. During this time he grew a passion for coaching youth baseball and participated in several events in the community including running the concession stand for the local amateur baseball team and working at community events.
Toward the latter part of his career, he transitioned into the insurance industry, building on his sales experience, driven by a passion for his work and a genuine pride in what he did.
Gary had a love for outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, biking, and gardening, using his produce to make so much salsa. He also enjoyed cooking and took pride in creating meals for family and friends, a trait he inherited from his mother.
Gary will be remembered for his love of dogs, work ethic, and the connections he made throughout his life.
Survivors include his sons, Chris Niehoff of St. Cloud, Matt (Erin) Niehoff of Minneapolis, and Michael (Paige Mortenson) Niehoff of Monticello; one, granddaughter, Adeline Niehoff; sisters, Joanne Wolf of Cold Spring and Marilyn (Richard) Laing of Sioux City, Iowa; and sister-in-law Becky Niehoff of Florence, Kentucky.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Tom Niehoff; and sister, Janet (Don) Galloway.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the CentraCare Heart & Vascular Center.
Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral and Cremation Services of Melrose.