Gary Pillatzke

Gary Pillatzke, age 73, of Ortonville, MN, passed away on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at his home.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Catholic Church in Ortonville, MN. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday. Pr. Shawn Polman will officiate, and inurnment will be at St. Charles Cemetery in Big Stone City, SD.

The service will be livestreamed and recorded and will be viewable the bottom of this page.

Gary Lee Pillatzke was born on February 15, 1953, at the Ortonville Hospital, to Donald and Lorraine (Kelzer). He grew up on a family farm near Nassau, MN, where he learned the values of hard work and perseverance instilled by his parents. Gary attended school in Bellingham, MN, and graduated from Bellingham High School.

On May 5, 1984, Gary was united in marriage with Katherine “Kathy” Korstjens at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Milbank, SD. Together, they were blessed with raising their son, Francis.

For more than 40 years, Gary dedicated himself to the granite quarry, where his tireless efforts and commitment to the craft made him a respected figure among his colleagues. Beyond work, he found fulfillment in woodworking, a hobby that allowed him to express his creativity and skill. Gary also enjoyed reading Western novels and watching Westerns on television.

Gary is survived by his wife, Kathy Pillatzke, of Ortonville, MN; his son, Francis Pillazke, of Ortonville, MN; sister, Carol (Francis) Karels; brother, Dale Pillatzke; along with several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers: Leroy Pillazke, and David Pillatzke.

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