We are sad to announce the passing this morning of a great man, Hall of Fame member Gary Muecke. He was a driver, car owner and a huge supporter of the track. He helped many young racers such as myself (Aaron Betz), get started in the sport he loved. He helped form the Murray County Racing Association and helped open the track back up in 1992. We thank you for everything you have done for us! Our thoughts and prayers go out to Dottie, Gary, Chad, and all of their family and friends! Take your victory lap Gary! #4m forever!!!
The visitation service for Gary Muecke will be on Thursday, January 3rd from 4 - 7pm at Christ Lutheran Church in Slayton. The Speedway will meet at the church at 5:45 and go as a group to see the family at 6pm.
In Loving Memory of
Gary Russell Muecke
Gary Muecke was born on December 23, 1943 in Slayton Minnesota to Walter and Madeline Holm Muecke. Gary was the fourth child and grew up along side his six siblings, Ronald, Walter, Sharon, Orian, Dennis and Trudy. Gary grew up and attended school in Slayton. Gary met Dottie Suter soon after high school and the two were married on February 11, 1961. Gary was drafted into the Army in 1966. He did basic training in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. From there he was stationed in Fort Riley, Kansas. In April 1967 Gary was stationed in Vietnam serving in the 137th Engineer LE Company -18th Engineer Brigade Tam Quan, returning home in January 1968. Gary and Dottie made their home in Slayton where they welcomed their three children, Lory, Gary Jr. and Chad. Gary started his own excavating business and operated that until 1983 when he went to work for the City of Slayton. Gary retired from the City of Slayton in 2003 and then in 2004 went to work for his cousin, Brett at R.A. Muecke Sand & Gravel. He fully retired from work in 2012 due to health reasons. Gary passed away at his home on Thursday, December 27, 2018 at the age of 75. After his retirement he found many of his former Army buddies and enjoyed sharing emails and visits. Throughout his life Gary enjoyed spending time with family. Gary was passionate about racing, The Tightend Club, Old Timmers softball, the Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. Gary was an instrumental part in the history of the Murray County Speedway in Slayton. He helped form the MCRA and helped reopen the track in 1992. Racing was of high importance throughout his life. Gary raced from 1962-1979 and then owned and managed a racecar from 1979 to 2008.
Gary is survived by his wife Dottie Muecke of Slayton, MN, two Sons, Gary Muecke Jr. of Slayton, MN and Chad and Valerie Muecke of Fulda, MN, nine grandchildren, Bradley Danneman, Leanna and Shilo Herrmann, Hope and Tyson DeKam, Chris Muecke, Jerimy Muecke, Dalton Muecke, Taya Schultz, Lane Muecke, and Shelby Muecke and three great grand-children, Eleanor DeKam, Talia Meyeraan and Madison Danneman, five siblings and their spouses, Walter Muecke Jr. of Slayton, MN, Sharon and Robert Schultz of Westbrook, MN, Orian and Sue Muecke of Plymouth, MN, Dennis Muecke of Slayton, MN and Trudy and Bob Biegler of Iona, MN, one sister in-law, Marlene Muecke of Slayton, MN, and many nieces, nephews and their families. He is preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Lory Ann, infant grandsons, Brandon Danneman and Levi Muecke, one brother, Ronald Muecke, mother-in-law, Nelli Pamble and many aunts and uncles.
Memorial Services
Christ Lutheran Church in Slayton, MN on Friday, January 4, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Grant Fischer officiating. The organist is Theresa Nysevold with special music by Nikki Cheskie. The honorary pallbearers are his grandchildren. Interment is a Slayton Memorial Gardens in Slayton, MN. Military honors accorded by the Slayton VFW Post and the American Legion Post.
Visitation will be on Thursday, January 3, 2019 at Christ Lutheran Church in Slayton from 4-7 p.m. and also one hour prior to the services at the church on Friday.