Gary Lee Clancy

Gary L. Clancy (Clancy) died at his home on July 27, 2016 after a brave twelve year struggle with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. He was lovingly cared for by his family and friends under the direction of Seasons Hospice. Gary was born in Redwood Falls, MN on June 17, 1948 to Evelyn (Uhlenkamp) and Roy Clancy. He grew up in Albert Lea, MN. Gary graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1966 and then attended Austin Jr. College, Mankato State University, and Rochester Jr. College studying Journalism. He enlisted into the Army on December 30, 1968. He served in Vietnam with both the 1st Infantry Division (better known as The Big Red 1) and with the 198th Light Infantry Brigade from June 7th, 1969 until August 1st, 1970 when he was safely back home. He married Nancy D. Boughten on June 10, 1972. They celebrated 44 years of marriage this year. The couple lived in Albert Lea, Byron and High Forest, MN. During their marriage they welcomed three daughters (Michelle Marie, Kelli Jo, and Katie Elizabeth) and later, four grandchildren. Gary was fortunate to pair his love of the outdoors with his skill in writing. He made a wonderful career as a prolific outdoor writer, sharing his love of the outdoors, his family, and his life through thousands of weekly articles for the MN Outdoor News as well as in the Rochester Post Bulletin. He wrote for numerous national publications and authored eight books. He was devoted to his Catholic faith. He was admired for the love he gave easily to his family. His infectious positivity, approachable and humble personality and awesome laughter will be fondly remembered and missed. He was an active member of A.A. for 37 years and celebrated 37 years of continued sobriety. His home groups were Tradition 3 and The 3rd Ave Thursday Morning Mens Group. He enjoyed many hours on the golf course with his Soldiers Field golf group. Fishing the lakes and rivers of Minnesota was second only to his love of the Whitetail Deer. He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother Jeffrey and his brother Michael D. Clancy. Survivors include his loving wife, Nancy; three daughters Michelle Clancy (Michael Brown) of Cedar Falls, IA, Kelli Clancy of Robbinsdale, MN, and Katie Clancy (Lee Clancy) of Zumbrota, MN; three grandsons and one granddaughterLucas and Leo (Michelle) and Miles and Norah (Kelli); one brother, Patrick D. Clancy of Brooklyn, IA and many friends and family, and of course, his loyal hunting dog, Recon. Visitation will be at Ranfranz and Vine (5421 Royal Place NW in Rochester, MN) on Sunday, July 31, 2016 from 4:00 7:00 p.m. Funeral will be held at The Church of St. John the Evangelist in Rochester, MN (11 Fourth Ave SW) on Monday, August 1, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. with Msgr. Fr. Gerald Mahon officiating. Interment at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery-Preston (715 Highway 52), on Monday, August 1, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of traditional flower bouquets, the family would appreciate fresh from your garden bouquets. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Garys name to, Pheasants Forever, The School of South Sudan or Seasons Hospice.