Gary M. Ojala

Gary Ojala was born October 30, 1948, in St. Cloud, MN to Milton and Rosanna Ojala. The oldest of 5 children, he was an adventurer first and foremost.
As a youth he earned his Eagle Scout. He was an athlete who played football and participated in track.
Gary entered the military in 1968, when he volunteered for Vietnam. During his time overseas, Gary received numerous awards, citations, and commendations including: National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, two Vietnam Commendation Medals, Overseas Service Bars, three Purple Hearts, Army Commendation Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation Commemorative Medal with Palms, two Good Conduct Medals, he was a Sharp Shooter and Bronze Star Recipient for his valor. After his stint in Vietnam and Missouri, he ended his career in Alaska in 1977. He then left Alaska and returned to Minnesota.
Gary came to know the Lord in the late 70s through a co-worker on a construction project in Minneapolis. He eventually began attending church at Outreach in Minneapolis, where his life was changed, not just for Jesus, but he met his wife, Margaret Rose. They married September 13, 1980. Affectionately they were known as Mama and Papa Bear. Both of Gary's children, Erik and Jennifer came to know the Lord in that same church!
In 1982, Meg and Gary made their way back to Alaska, where they lived out their lives in the homestead. Their house was built over a number of years with a lot of blood, sweat and cursing. Many friends and family helped to create this home. Gary was an avid sportsman and cribbage player. It was thought by his children that he worked so he could support his hunting habit. Gary loved Alaska, as if it was a part of him. He had adventurous stories of survival in most every encounter, from broken down snow machines in below zero weather, getting his boat stuck on the sand in the Tanana river, hunting for duck, moose, caribou or birds, fishing or watching the moose in his yard. Life was always an experience when you were with Gary. Knows as Bumpa by his grandchildren, he was described as kind, brave, and loving.
He will be missed significantly.

Gary was preceded in death by his Parents, Milton H. Ojala and Rosanna Ojala; sister, Susan Fultz. He leaves behind his Son, Erik Ojala (Barbara); Daughter, Jennifer Woods (Greg) Texas; Sisters, Rosemary Riskin (Minnesota), Michele Hoffman (Minnesota); Brother, Thomas Ojala (Anchorage); Grandchildren, Ellie and Thomas Woods (Texas); and best friends, Kit ‘Badger’ Walker, and Kevin Marshall, Alaska.

Livestream available at River Hills UMC Facebook page and YouTube.