Gary Uphoff

Gary G. Uphoff, age 51, of Melrose died after a courageous battle with cancer on Friday, March 30, 2007 at the Melrose Area Hospital in Melrose, Minnesota.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 3 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Melrose with Rev. Vince Lieser officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery.

Friends may call from 4 to 9 p.m. Monday and from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose. Immaculate Conception Catholic Aid Council will pray at 6:30 p.m. followed by parish prayers at 7:30 p.m.

Gary Uphoff was born July 22, 1955 in Melrose, Minnesota to Alfred and Alice (Thielen) Uphoff. He was united in marriage to Sharon Hinnenkamp on September 20, 1980 in Melrose. The couple owned and operated the Melrose Meat Shoppe from 1985 to 1998. He enjoyed making sausage, especially venison, and was a meat cutter all his life. He was currently employed with St. Rosa Lumber in St. Rosa. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Melrose, Immaculate Conception Catholic Aid Council of New Munich, Catholic Order of Foresters, Minnesota Deer Hunter's Association, and the Minnesota Darkhouse & Angling Association.Gary's passion for the great outdoors brought him to the places he loved the most. He devoted his time to his family and enjoyed being at the "farm" where nature is at its best. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards and going to the casino. Gary was a loving and patient dad and husband who will be greatly missed.

Survivors include his wife, Sharon Uphoff of Melrose; children, Josh Uphoff of New Munich, Genna, Skylar, and Shelby Uphoff all at home; brother and sisters, Pat Elfering and her husband, Jeff of Melrose, Steve Uphoff and his wife, Judy of New Munich, Jean Welle and her husband, Jeff of Ramsey, and Geri Uphoff of Brooklyn Park; and many nieces and nephews.

Gary was preceded in death by his father, Alfred on December 22, 1996 and mother, Alice on December 31, 2004.

Serving as casket bearers will be Adam Hinnenkamp, Steve Uphoff, Jeff Welle, Jeff Elfering, Tom Hinnenkamp, Fran Hinnenkamp, Steve Hinnenkamp, and Ray Herrington. Serving as cross bearer will be Brady Welle and scripture bearer will be Trevor Herrington. Fishing rod bearer will be Chris Uphoff and the deer figurine bearer will be Erik Elfering.