Gary Richard Nemitz, 71, of Austin, died Thursday, March 19, 2009 at Comforcare Good Samaritan Center.
Gary was born Sept. 30, 1937 in Austin to Richard and Fern Nemitz. He graduated from Austin High School. Gary was united in marriage to Barbara Jean Zender on Jan. 21, 1961 at St. Augustine Catholic Church. Gary and Jean resided in Austin their entire married life.
Gary started working for his grandfather, Henry Nemitz, at Nemitz’s Book and Tobacco Store in 1951 at the age of 14.  Gary and his brother Larry bought the business in 1959. Gary remained in business until 1999. 
Gary was very involved in the Austin City Council, was a First Ward Alderman and the 5th District County commissioner. He was very involved in the youth hockey program for many years, serving on the board and coaching his son’s teams. Gary loved playing golf; he often said he played everyday that ends in “y.”  He enjoyed watching his grandchildren’s sporting events, especially hockey.  Spending time with family and friends was very important to him.
Gary was full of life and always had a smile on his face. He truly enjoyed the many years working at Nemitz’s Book and Tobacco Store because of all the wonderful people who came in each day. He would greet each and every one and knew many by name. 
At the age of 59, Gary was diagnosed with dementia, but continued to have a positive attitude with his wife, Jean, by his side.
Survivors include his wife: Barbara Jean Nemitz, Austin; two daughters: Debbie (Greg) Huckaby, Austin, Jan (Lon) Anderson, North Mankato, Minn.; three sons: Jon “Hank” (Danette) Nemitz, Austin, Jim Nemitz, Austin, Steve (Charlene) Nemitz, Shakopee, Minn.; 11 grandchildren; a brother: Larry Nemitz, Britt, Iowa; two sisters: Judy (Karon) Smalley, Kasson, Minn., Vicky (Vern) Gutman, Clear Lake, Iowa.
Gary is preceded in death by his parents.
A funeral mass will be celebrated 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at St. Augustine Catholic Church with Father Joe Fogal officiating. There will be a 6:30 p.m. wake service on Monday at Mayer Funeral Home where friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. and also one hour before the service at the church on Tuesday.  Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery.
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