Obit: Robert McGarry, 79, of Stillwater

Family man and business owner Robert McGarry died Friday, May 17, 2013 from complications following surgery.

Bob was born in Stillwater on Dec. 10, 1933, and he graduated in 1951 from Stillwater High School, where he played football and basketball. The Ponies remained a lifelong interest of his, and he enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren play various sports.

Recently, he helped compile and edit an anecdotal history of SHS athletics called Pony Tales from the Sidelines to the Stands.

In 1967, he established the Jerry McGarry award in honor of his brother who was killed in Vietnam. Each year it is presented to an outstanding senior Pony basketball player.

As a businessman, Bob was very active in the community. He was the third generation of his family to operate the McGarry Kearney Insurance Agency, which is still family owned and in its 112th year.

He was also a co-founder of the Valley Athletic Association and past member and past president of the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce.

Bob loved the St. Croix River, having served as a fishing guide for many years, but more than anything, he loved his family.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Glenice; daughters: Shannon (Kevin) Seggelke, Marci (William) Twiss, Monica (Robert) Jones and son, Robert III (Jenny) McGarry; sister, Marilyn (Robert) Gelhar; grandchildren: Josh (Lindsay), Robert, J.J. (Melissa) Seggelke; Robert (Elin) IV, Collin and Kelly McGarry; great grandson, Patrick Joshua Seggelke.  Also survived by many nieces, cousins and sister-in-law, Shirley Nelson.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Merrill and Genevieve (Hagerty) McGarry; sisters: Barbara, Diane and brother, Jeremiah.

Funeral Services will be 11 a.m., Thursday, May 23, 2013 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 115 N. 4th St., Stillwater, MN 55082.  Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at church.

Memorials are preferred to the Ponies Touchdown Club or Trinity Lutheran Church.