Gary R. Culp

Gary R. Culp, 72, of Audubon, MN, died Tuesday, July 16, 2013, in St. Vincent’s Hospital, Billings, MT.

Gary Raymond Culp was born on September 24, 1940 in Ada, MN, first born child of Ray and Margie Culp. His childhood was spent on the family farm, where he attended Borup Elementary and High School. He enjoyed playing basketball and football and drove the school bus for a short time, graduating in 1958.
He continued working on the farm with his family, did a short stint in the Marine’s and finally decided farming was not the life for him. He went off to the big city of Moorhead and started working for M & H gas stations and Borgen Dray Line.

He married Florene Yost September 19, 1964 in Ada MN and they continued to make their home in Moorhead. During this time, their first daughter, Carrie was born. He started driving semi-trucks for D-S Beverages, hauling beer back to Moorhead from St Louis.

In 1967, the couple bought their first home and moved to Georgetown MN where they were blessed with two more children, Greg and Cathy. In 1978, he began his own trucking company, Shiprite Inc. He was involved in hauling sunflowers and potatoes to St Louis and bringing beer back to Moorhead. In 2005, he made the choice to retire and sold his successful business.
Gary was active in the Hudson Bears Snowmobile Club and president of that organization for many years. He was an active member of Christ Lutheran Church and was president and caretaker of the property for the congregation for several years including the sale of the building and church memorabilia when the decision to close the church was made.

In 2002, Gary and Florene moved to Little Cormorant Lake MN. He enjoyed lake living which included going for rides in the pontoon wearing his captain hat, entertaining visitors and watching the loons, eagles, wood ducks and many other birds. He kept active driving coach buses for Richards Transportation. He was a member of the American Legion in Moorhead, Cormorant Sportsman’s Club, Audubon, and Little Cormorant Lake Association.

While on vacation in Montana, he suffered a fatal cardiac arrest and died on Tuesday, July 16, 2013 at St Vincent Hospital in Billings MT, surrounded by his family.

He is survived by his wife, Florene of Audubon, and children, Carrie Sweeney Rodney Singleton of Moorhead, Greg Angie Culp of Moorhead, Cathy Culp of Laurel Montana; grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Raelynn, Erik and Casey; sisters, Sharon Mike Lish of Bemidji MN; Joan Lester Sorenson of Lake Park MN; Rose Anderson of Glyndon; brother, Don Cindy Culp of Georgetown. He is also survived by one uncle, Jack J Culp in Aneta, ND. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Margie and his brother, Roy.

Visitation: Sunday, July 21, 2103, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 5:30 p.m. in Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN.

Funeral Service: Monday, July 22, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. in Believer’s Fellowship Church, Moorhead, MN.

Interment: Riverside Cemetery, Moorhead, MN.