Gary M. Ojala

Gary Ojala was born October 30, 1948, in St. Cloud, MN to Milton and Rosanna Ojala. The oldest of 5 children, he was an adventurer first and foremost.

As a youth he earned his Eagle Scout. He was an athlete who played football and participated in track.

Gary entered the military in 1968, when he volunteered for Vietnam. During his time overseas, Gary received numerous awards , citations, and commendations including:

National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, 2 Vietnam Commendation Medals, Overseas Service Bars, 3 Purple Hearts, Army Commendation Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation Commemorative Medal with Palms, 2 Good Conduct Medals, he was a Sharp Shooter and Bronze Star Recipient for his valor.  After his stint in Vietnam and Missouri, he ended his career in Alaska in 1977.

He then left Alaska and returned to Minnesota.

Gary came to know the Lord in the late 70s through a co-worker on a construction project in Minneapolis. He eventually began attending church at Outreach in Minneapolis, where his life was changed, not just for Jesus, but he met his wife, Margaret Rose.  They married September 13, 1980. Affectionately they were known as Mama and Papa Bear. Both of Gary’s children, Erik and Jennifer came to know the Lord in that same church!

In 1982, Meg and Gary made their way back to Alaska, where they have remained. They homesteaded the place you now stand. This house was built over a number of years with a lot of blood, sweat and cursing. Many friends and family helped to create this home. Many here today, many have gone before Gary.

Gary was an avid sportsman and cribbage player. It was thought by his children that he worked so he could support his hunting habit.  Gary loved Alaska, as if it was a part of him. He had adventurous stories of survival in  most every encounter, from broken down snow machines in below zero weather, getting his boat stuck on the sand in the Tanana river, hunting for duck, moose, caribou or birds, fishing or watching the moose in his yard.  Life was always an experience when you were with Gary.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Milton H. Ojala and Rosanna Ojala, sister, Susan Fultz.  He leaves behind his wife, Margaret Ojala; Son, Erik Ojala (Texas), Daughter, Jennifer Woods (Greg) of Texas; Sisters Rosemary Riskin (Minnesota), Michele Hoffman (Minnesota), Brother, Thomas Ojala (Anchorage); Grandchildren Ellie Marjorie Woods and Thomas Erik Woods (Texas).

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gary M. Ojala, please visit our floral store.