Gary Eugene Smetana

Gary Eugene Smetana, age 66, died at home Saturday, November 1, 2025 with his wife Jill at his side following two years of lung cancer illness and treatments. Gary was a lifelong resident of Pine City, graduating from Pine City High School in 1978.

In 1986, he married his high school sweetheart Jill. In 1993, Gary became a proud father when their son Boden was born. Gary had a strong work ethic; he started his first job working as a carry-out at Spies Super Value. He then went on to sell parts at NAPA, a construction worker for Johnson Brothers building bridges in the metro area and in Montana, running the shop for Forby Construction in Hinckley and also enjoyed hauling gravel for Rydberg Construction.

From 1995-2021 Gary owned and operated Pine Towne Sports as a Polaris dealer, taking over and expanding the business from his father. Gary was gifted mechanic, problem solver, often providing free advice to anyone who called in or stopped by. In retirement, Gary enjoyed drop-in visitors. Gary and Jill were a team in conducting the work of the business together.

Gary worked hard and played hard. In his early years he was a moto-cross racer and qualified to compete in the Nationals. He also raced snowmobiles including the I-500, and the Vintage racing scene. He was avid vintage Polaris snowmobile collector. In the past few years, Gary has helped a friend prepare his sled for competition in the Iron Dog snowmobile race held in Alaska. Gary had a passion for deer hunting and held a deep respect for nature. He especially enjoyed the challenge of muzzle loader hunting. Gary enjoyed time at the cabin where he was perhaps most happy in the peace and quiet there. He enjoyed maintaining his trails, planting crops, and preparing for deer hunting season. Gary’s legacy is defined by his practicality, good sense and kind heart.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents Gene and Ginny Smetana, brother-in-law Blair Nelson and nephew Tyler Nelson.

Gary is survived by his wife of 39 years, Jill; son Boden Smetana (Ashley Weidemann) and her children Wheeler, Walker and Wren Wiedemann who called him Grandpa Gary. His three sisters Cheryl Smetana (Chris) McHugh, Debbie Smetana, Deanne Nelson grieve deeply as they lose their precious beloved brother. He is also survived by his father-in-law Burt Rude, mother-in-law Rosie Rude; sister-in-law Wendy “Tinker” (Greg) Pangerl; many nieces and nephews that loved him dearly.

With respect for the deer hunting season, the family will host a celebration of Gary’s life at a later date.

Funeral arrangements for Gary Smetana are entrusted to the: Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City ~ Swanson Chapel 

FuneralAndCremationService.com