Gary Altfillisch

Gary Lee Altfillisch, 82, passed away in Albert Lea, Minnesota on Sunday, July 14, 2024, at Thorne Crest Senior Living Community. A funeral service will be held at 11:00AM on Monday, July 22, 2024, at Bonnerup Funeral and Cremation Service in Albert Lea; visitation to begin one hour prior to service.

Born on May 13, 1942, in Waterloo, Iowa, Gary was a son of the late Mark and Rita (Schneider) Altfillisch. After graduating from Columbus High School in Waterloo, Gary attended Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa where he obtained his BA in Social Work. With this degree, he dedicated 28 years of service to Freeborn County as the Director of Court Services, before retiring in 2001.

On March 23, 1968, Gary married the love of his life, Stephanie Ann Sauer, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in New Hampton, Iowa and together they raised their three sons: Peter, David, and Joseph.

Gary was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan as well as a die-hard Iowa Hawkeye fan, regularly taking summer trips to Busch Stadium in St. Louis and annual trips to Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City for Minnesota-Iowa football games; he was also able to travel to various Iowa Hawkeye bowl games over the years.

Outside of enjoying sports, Gary enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, biking, considered himself a movie buff, and was a regular visitor of the Albert Lea Public Library. He also supported his community as a member of ARC Freeborn County, a driver for Meals-on-Wheels, and a parishioner of St. Theodore’s Catholic Church.

Left to cherish Gary’s memory is his wife of 56 years, Stephanie Altfillisch; sons Peter (Nicole), David (Colette), and Joseph Altfillisch; granddaughters, Lauren and Ellie Altfillisch; and his brother Glen (Dorothy) Altfillisch. 

In addition to his parents, Mark and Rita Altfillisch, Gary was preceded in death by a sister, Jean (Richard) Anderson, and in-laws, Verle “Pete” and Virginia Sauer.

The Altfillisch family would like to thank their beloved neighbors, John and Stacy Judd, and the staff at Thorne Crest Senior Living Community and St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate care and support.