Thief River Falls – Gary Lee Brantl, 77, of Thief River Falls, formerly of Plummer, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 3, 2026 at his residence surrounded by his loving family.
Gary Lee Brantl was born May 12, 1948 in Grand Forks, ND, son of Elmer and Fern (Christian) Brantl. The family lived on a farm north of Crookston and moved into town after his sophomore year of high school. He graduated from Central High School in 1966, lettering in football, wrestling and track. In the fall of 1966 he attended Mayville State University in North Dakota.
On August 24, 1968, Gary married his high school sweetheart, Sue Ann Horge. In the spring of 1970 he graduated from MSU with a Degree in Physical Education and Health, Coaching and Social Studies. That spring he was hired by the Plummer School District. Gary taught for 34 years – PE, Health & Social Studies – and then another 8 years as a substitute all at Plummer and Red Lake County Central. From 1970-2003 he was head football coach for 34 years, making three trips to the MSHL State Tournament, 1983, 1997 and 1998. Since they lived on the corner by the football field, he also took care of the football field.
Gary started the Wrestling Program in Plummer in 1972. In 1982, Plummer and Oklee combined. He retired after 25 years. Gary served the school district as Athletic Director from 1970–2019. In 1980, he started the Plummer School District Summer Recreation Program, finishing in 2019.
Gary loved going to athletic events – watching his kids and then his grandkids participate in various activities. He was a huge Viking and Bud Grant fan and Kirby Puckett fan.
In 2005, the Plummer Football Field was dedicated and named Brantl Field. In 2024, Gary was inducted into the Minnesota Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
He was a member of the Minnesota Coaches Association, Plummer Lions for 40 years and serving terms as Secretary and President. He was in the Plummer Fire Department for 10 years. Gary was a member of St. Vincent de Paul in Plummer where he served as council member and usher and was currently a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Brooks.
Gary is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sue Ann; four children, Robin (Gary) Torkelson of Manhattan, IL, Craig Brantl of Lucas, TX, Jill (Joe) Cornelius of Thief River Falls, and Farrah (Justin) McPhee of Forest Lake; nine grandchildren, Madeline (Evan) Holmstrom, Caroline (Brandon) Stanek, Garrett Torkelson, Caden and Carson Brantl, JJ and Jett Cornelius, Emily and Connor McPhee; two great-grandchildren, Owen Holmstrom and Colton Stanek; brother, Ryam (Cindy) Brantl of Grand Forks, ND and his children, Rylan, Casey and Calyn.
He is preceded in death by his parents; and daughter-in-law, Alessandra Brantl.
Visitation will be held from 3–6 p.m. on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Brooks. Visitation will also begin at 10 a.m. with the Memorial Mass at 11 a.m., on Monday, April 27, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Brooks, with Father Matt Schmitz presiding. A time of lunch and fellowship will follow. Interment will be at St. Vincent de Paul Cemetery in Plummer.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com.
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