Gary Scott Gummer

Gary Scott Gummer, 51, Portland, ND, died Thursday, October 5, 2006, Portland, ND. Gary was born to Gordon and Shirley (Brown) Gummer in Mayville, ND on August 25, 1955. He graduated from Mayville-Portland High School in 1973. He attended an played football at Mayville State University. As a young man, he worked on both of his grandfathers’ farms. From his grandfathers, he learned to love farm life and what it meant to be a hard worker. His love for the farm continued during the years he farmed with his father, Gordon. He would milk cows early before school, after school, and before football practice. He claimed he couldn’t practice piano because his hands were too tired from milking cows. He was active in 4H, and showed Brown Swiss cattle. He had a favorite calf, named Misty that would follow him around like a dog. Gary always had a great love for animals, caring for and raising everything from cats and dogs to hamsters, rabbits, raccoons, chickens, pigs, cows and horses. His mom Shirley, often thought their home was the Mayville Zoo. He married Debbie (Braaten) on January 26, 1974. They lived and farmed in rural Mayville for 21 years. They were blessed with two children, Rachelle and Aaron, who were the pride of Gary’s life. He married Beth DeMoss on August 31, 2001, and lived in Portland, ND. Gary wasn’t afraid of hard work. He was dedicated, and a jack-of-all-trades. Gary was known to be able to do anything with duct tape and bailing wire. His employment included farming, working at SRS, driving truck, volunteer fire fighter, and most recently, part owner of the Parke Avenue Steakhouse in Portland, ND. He was a great chef and he loved to cook at the restaurant, his catering business and particularly at home. Gary also enjoyed wrestling, playing softball, relaxing at the lake, and fishing. He is survived by his wife, Beth, Portland, ND; daughter Rachelle (Shawn) Fettig, Detroit Lakes, MN; son Aaron Gummer, Hammond LA; granddaughter Marnie Fettig; his parents Gordon and Shirley Gummer, Mandan, ND; sister Rae Ann (Tom) Kelsch, Mandan, ND; nephews and niece Zachary, Alexander and Cassandra Kelsch, all of Mandan, ND; and stepdaughter Samantha DeMoss, Bemidji, MN; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Goodman and Della Gummer, and Kenneth and Aagot Brown. Our sorrow is deep, and Gary will be greatly missed and loved forever by everyone. MEMORIAL SERVICE: Thursday, October 12, 2006 at 11:00 AM at Mayville Lutheran Church, Mayville, ND. VISITATION: Wednesday, October 11, 2006 from 5-7PM at Baker Funeral Home, and one hour prior to the memorial service, at the church. BURIAL: Mayville Cemetery, Mayville, ND.