Gary Robert Fesler
November 13, 1950 – August 30, 2025
Gary Robert Fesler of Malad, Idaho, passed away on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at the age of 74. After many years of living with pain and health challenges, he is now at peace.
Gary was born on November 13, 1950, in Yankton, South Dakota, to Mary Lenore (Lee) and Clarence Leighton Fesler. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1970 to 1974, including service in Vietnam.
Throughout his life, Gary brought dedication and skill to a variety of jobs, including with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Gavins Point Dam and at the Sioux Falls VA Hospital. His love of the mountains eventually led him to Montana, where he worked with Delta Airlines for a time before finding his true calling in woodworking. In Bozeman, he began a career in millwork and cabinetry, creating beautiful pieces and eventually turning his talents to carving. His detailed wooden sculptures of horses, moose, cowboys, stagecoaches, and bears became beloved works of art to those around him. Along the way, he also spent time as a volunteer firefighter in Wilsall, a role that reflected his steady commitment to helping others.
To his many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, he was fondly known as “Uncle G.” In Malad, where he spent his later years, Gary was a familiar and friendly presence—often seen navigating town in his wheelchair. One community member described him best: “He was a friend to all.”
Gary is survived by his daughter, Anna Fesler Quinata (Joy); his grandson, Tony Lennemann, two great-grandchildren, Zya and Lennox Lennemann; his brother, Ron Fesler (Tina); his sister, Carol Tschida; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Lee; his father, Leighton; his sister, Dorothy Childs; and his grandson, Alec Lennemann.
A memorial service to celebrate Gary’s life will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 11:00am, Horsley Funeral Home, 132 W. 300 North, Malad City, Idaho.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations in Gary’s memory to a veterans’ organization, local woodworking program or The Purple Heart Project (https://www.thepurpleheartproject.org/).