Gary Pfenning, 65, Garrison, formerly of Hazen, died on Tuesday, July 30, 2013 at a Garrison nursing home. He has found rest and peace in the arms of his loving Lord and Savior.
Memorial services will be held on Monday at 10:00 am at Peace Lutheran Church in Hazen. Burial will be at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in rural Mandan.

Gary Dale Pfenning was born during a snowstorm in Bismarck, ND on December 28, 1947 to Walter and Lucille (Wiedrich) Pfenning. He was baptized and confirmed at Peace Lutheran Church in Hazen. He was raised and educated in Hazen, graduating from Hazen High School in 1965. After graduating, Gary enlisted in the US Army. He was active duty while serving two years in the Vietnam War.

Following his two year duty in Vietnam, Gary returned to North Dakota and worked for Great Plains Research. In the mid 1980's he moved to the southern United States. He worked as a drywall installer in Texas, built shipping crates in Mississippi, and after becoming disabled, moved to New Orleans. Gary was a survivor of hurricane Katrina, "riding out" the storm on the second floor of his building. Because of the loss of his home, he relocated to Arkansas. In 2008, Gary was able to return to North Dakota, but became ill shortly after coming home. He most recently was a resident at the Benedictine Living Center in Garrison.

Gary's happiest times were spent camping and fishing on Uncle Ted's land on Lake Sakakawea.

Gary is survived by his mother Lucille Pfenning, his father, Walt Pfenning, sister, Deb (Joe) Jochim, all of Hazen; two nieces, Erin and Kaysi Jochim; and a great nephew, Rylan.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Floyd, paternal grandparents, John and Margaret Pfenning and maternal grandparents, Konrad and Melita Wiedrich.

In lieu of flowers the family prefers memorials to St. Alexius Hospice Care in Garrison.