Gary L. Waller, 72, of Moose Lake, passed away Tuesday, August 15, 2017 at his home. He was born January 4, 1945 in Duluth to Donald and Helen (Boman) Waller. Gary graduated from Denfeld High School in 1963 and later received his Master's Degree in Business Administration from the College of St. Scholastica. Gary was united in marriage to Mary (Kachinske) Aldrich on November 28, 1998 in Moose Lake. Gary's career in law enforcement spanned many decades. He was a police officer for the Duluth Police Department, rising to the rank of Lieutenant. During his tenure there, one of his greatest accomplishments was his instrumental involvement in the solving of the Congdon Mansion murders in 1977. His hard work and dedication to this infamous case was later chronicled in the book 'Will To Murder: The True Story Behind The Crimes and Trials Surrounding The Glensheen Killings', which he co-authored. After retiring from the Duluth Police Department Gary was elected Sheriff of St. Louis County. While sheriff, Gary was in charge of building a new jail, replacing the previously antiquated jail with new innovations and technology. Gary was a member of the Minnesota Sheriffs' Association where he served as president. After retiring, Gary kept himself busy by working as a freelance consultant, doing jail assessments for counties around the country. Gary was proud of his family's long history of law enforcement service as he followed in the steps of his father and uncle before him. While working for the Duluth Police Department Gary worked alongside his brother Roger and was a proud father when his own son Sean followed in his footsteps and became a police officer as well. In his 'down time', Gary loved hunting, running, cross-country skiing, and biking. He enjoyed pushing his limits both mentally and physically by competing in athletic events. He especially enjoyed spending time with and cooking for his family. Gary is preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Bridget Waller. Gary is survived by his loving wife, Mary Waller of Moose Lake; sons, Sean (Kim) Waller of Midwest City, OK and Terry (Blythe) Aldrich, Jr. of Andover; daughter, Kathleen (Lee) Packingham of Andover; grandchildren, Jessica and Ashley Waller, John Allen and Elisabeth 'Beth' Anderson, Toby and Terry 'T.J.' Aldrich, Kaylee and Carter Packingham; brother, Roger (Mary) Waller of Phoenix, AZ; sister, Tammy (Harley) Clyde of LaPorte; beloved dog and friend, Snoopy; several nieces, nephews and friends. A gathering of family and friends will be Friday, August 25 from 10 AM until the 11 AM Memorial Service in Evangelical Covenant Church, Moose Lake. To sign the guestbook online, go to: www.hhkfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are with Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake.
Posted By: Administrator - 08-22-2017
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