Gary Martin Vigen, 82, of Hill City, MN, passed away on February 11, 2025, in Sun City, AZ. Although his primary residence was in MN, he wintered in AZ for 20+ years post-retirement. Gary loved coaching and sports in general. He especially enjoyed watching track and field, and college football. He also loved biking, golfing, crossword puzzles, NCIS, John Wayne movies, and old country and 50’s music. Gary was born on May 22, 1942, to Myrene (Groth) Vigen and Orlin (Shorty) Vigen in Grand Forks, ND. After graduating from East Grand Forks MN Central High School in 1960, he studied PE, Health and Recreation at Moorhead State College. After graduating in 1966, he got his first teaching and coaching job in Spring Grove, MN. He went on to teach and coach in Bemidji, MN, and in Lamar, CO, before settling in at Central High School in Grand Forks, where he coached and taught for 20+ years. He met his future spouse, Judy Tack, in seventh grade. They wed in 1961 and were happily married for 31 years. He was a loving father to four daughters: Stacy, Shelly, Heather, and Terri. Gary was predeceased by his parents, his wife, Judy (Tack) Vigen, and his daughter, Stacy (Brad) Ludwig. He is survived by his daughters: Shelly (Rob) McKay; Heather (Alvin) Butler; and Terri Vigen. He is also survived by his special long-term partner, Millie Smith; his sister, Marlene Shropshire; his brother, Jim Vigen, as well as 6 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Gary’s superpower was his amazing sense of humor. He had a quick wit that always kept you on your toes. There will be a memorial and inurnment at Memorial Park South in Grand Forks, ND on June 20, 2025.
Gary Martin Vigen – Obituary
