Gary Vincent Nather, 79, passed away the morning of February 5th, peacefully with family by his side after a courageous battle with cancer.

A memorial service for Gary will be held Tuesday, February 10, at 10:00 a.m. at Century Baptist Church, 205 Colt Ave, Bismarck.

Visitation will take place Monday, February 9, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck, followed by a time of sharing and prayer at 7:00 p.m.

A burial will be held at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery.

Gary was born on April 8, 1946, to Vincent and Louise (Langager) Nather. Though born in Bismarck while his family lived on a farm near Dawson, they soon moved to Fargo, where Gary grew up alongside his brother, Morris, and sisters, Mabel and Sharon. He attended Grace Lutheran School and Fargo Central High School, where he became a standout hockey player—a love that stayed with him for life.

After graduating, Gary enlisted in the United States Navy and served as a machinist aboard the USS Charles R. Ware from 1964 to 1968. His service took him around the world, from protecting oil fields during the Six-Day War to keeping his ship’s engines running during Operation Sea Dragon in the Vietnam War. Though he was deeply proud to serve his country, Gary most often spoke of helping rebuild a cyclone-damaged church on a small island and of seeking out American missionaries to encourage whenever his ship docked in foreign ports.

On New Year’s Eve of 1967, Gary met Susan Rusch. They were married on June 28, 1969, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in love, faith, and family. Together they raised two children—Kristin and Paul—and built a family that grew to include five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Gary was deeply gifted as a husband, father, and grandfather. He loved his family fiercely and intentionally, creating memories through sports, laughter, and carefully planned road trips—from short trips to New Town to weeks long RV trips to Florida—always making time for family visits and memorable stops for breakfast at a diner.

Gary spent his professional career in sales within the electrical and telecommunications industries. Known for his warmth and generosity, Gary was a salesman people genuinely looked forward to seeing—often arriving with donuts, candy, and an inevitable offer to buy lunch. After retiring, Gary immediately launched Nather Communications, allowing him to consult, teach communications through seminars and classes, and provide sales support for Sumitomo Electric.

As his schedule slowed, Gary devoted himself to Gideons International. Sharing God’s Word and the saving grace of Jesus brought him immense joy and purpose. He faithfully lived out that mission every day. Even in recent months, while homebound, every nurse, visitor, or friend was welcomed with a smiling face and left having experienced the pure love of Jesus Christ.

Service was a defining thread throughout Gary’s life, particularly within his church. He served on school and church boards, taught Sunday school, worked on construction projects, and welcomed others as an usher and greeter. When not serving, Gary enjoyed hunting, fishing, and faithfully following UND hockey and NDSU football.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Morris. He is survived by his wife, Susan; daughter Kristin (David) Bader; son Paul (Susie) Nather; grandchildren Paige (Cam) Fleck, Emily (Zach) Jacobson, Riley (Thad) Campbell, Carson, and Hannah; Great-grandchildren Ryker, Lincoln, Asher, Aunika, and Steel; sisters Sharon (Larry) Goerger and Mabel (Ron) Sacrison; and a large, loving circle of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The Nather family extends heartfelt thanks to all who supported Gary through prayer, encouragement, and care during his illness. Special gratitude is given to Veterans Affairs, the Sanford medical team, and Hospice of North Dakota. You have been a true blessing to our family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Gideons International or White Cross ℅ Century Baptist Church.