Gary Emil Hoerner

January 3, 1943 - November 23, 2021

Gary Emil Hoerner, 78, passed away peacefully on November 23, 2021 after struggling from the complications of a stroke for the past 2 ½ years. Gary was born in Richardton, North Dakota on January 3, 1943 to Emil Hoerner and Pauline Zimmerman Hoerner. He graduated from Assumption Abbey Prep School in Richardton, North Dakota and then moved to Denver, Colorado where he attended business school at Regis University. Gary served in the National Guard. He married Michael Sue Talbert in 1963. They had two wonderful children, Scott in 1966 and Julie in 1968. They divorced, and he married Kathy Jannusch, welcoming three stepsons, Brian and Robert Governski, and Michael Grosfield. They divorced, and Gary remained single for the remainder of his life. Gary was a dedicated, successful and fierce business person who devoted much of his career to Fuji Photo Film where he won awards and accolades for his success. He then became an avid entrepreneur starting Alpha Photo Labs in Arvada and was founder/co-founder of many other companies in his later years. Business trips ignited his love for travel and created memories that he loved to share. We will remember Gary’s jokes, quick-wit, hard work, entrepreneurial spirit, creative mind, love and dedication to family and that special LAUGH that will echo in our hearts forever. Gary is survived by children Scott (Natalie) Hoerner, Julie (Harper) Howell (Mitchell and Harry), Brian (Kymbre) Governski, Robert Governski, Michael Grosfield, grandchildren, sisters Sherry (George) Warren, Jeannie (Jim) Gotta, Sharon (Rick) Barry, Laura (Ken) Woeste, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. The Denver services will be held at Heflebower Funeral & Cremation Services on Tuesday, December 14, 2021 from 3-6. The funeral home is located at: 8955 S. Ridgeline Blvd, Suite 100, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 (720-344-6087). There will be a small gathering before the Liturgy of the Word with coffee and small appetizers to follow. No flowers please and donations sent to St. Mary's Parish, 418 3rd Avenue W., Richardton, ND 58652. North Dakota services will be held in mid-June of 2022 at St. Mary's Parish – details to be determined.