Gary W. Hietala

Gary W. Hietala, long-time Saint Paul resident, died December 16, four days after his 81 st birthday. He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Diane Follmer, and children Cynthia, Scottsdale AZ, Wayne, Columbia Heights, Stephanie, Bloomington, and Stephen, Palm Coast FL. Also survived by 12 grandchildren, an increasing number of great-grandchildren, three sisters-in-law, nephew Bob Byerly (Deb Eggleston), nieces and nephews, good friend Bradley Ruona and a host of friends.

Gary was an airline pilot who received numerous commendations for his airplane skill and safety. Before joining Republic Airlines and Northwest Airlines, he flew corporate aviation for several Twin Cities companies.

He was born in Seattle, Washington to Navy parents, lived some of his school years in the Minneapolis Kenwood area where he knew many residents because he had a paper route, and graduated from Aitkin High School in Aitkin, Minn. He held credits at Metro State University. He served in the U.S. Navy with honorable discharge in 1965.

Gary was a world traveler and terrific traveling companion. He could recall from memory the major streets in most large cities in the U.S. and many countries in Europe. He enjoyed going on cruises to see even more of the world.

Gary and Diane tackled some large projects together. They moved an 1893 Victorian house and restored it. Their home was pictured in National Geographic and numerous other publications. Then they moved several additional houses to provide community housing. Together they operated a thoroughbred horse racing business for several years. They started a boat trip down the Mississippi River one year on November 1 and shoveled snow off the decks as they went south, the first of seven trips up and down the Mississippi River. Gary owned and restored several boats and was a member of the Saint Paul Yacht Club. He acquired his 100-ton Captain license and captained many vessels on long voyages on major waterways.

He was preceded by his parents Bessie and Arthur Hietala, brother Mark, special aunt Alice Haapoja, parents-in-law Carl and Ruth Follmer, good friend Dan Trampe and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Gary was a friend to all. He will be dearly missed by his host of family and friends. Memorials may be directed to your favorite animal rescue program, an Indigenous Peoples program such as Interfaith Action Department of Indian Work (interfaithaction.org) or Sharing and Caring Hands.

A Celebration of Life will be held after we have wiped our tears remembering this wonderful man. It will be held on February 8, 2025 at 1:00 pm, St. Paul’s UCC Church Fireside Room, 900 Summit Ave. Visiting before, lunch after. Announcement will be published in Pioneer Press on February 2, 2025.