Gary Cervin

Gary L. Cervin, 75, of rural Darwin, passed away peacefully on November 7th, 2026 at home on the farm surrounded by his family. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday November 14, 2026 at First Lutheran Church in Litchfield, MN. A visitation will be held from 9:00 - 11:00 AM at church. Interment will be held at Swan Lake Cemetery, Dassel, MN.

Gary was born on June 21, 1951 to Harlan and Lillian Cervin in Litchfield, MN. He was baptized and confirmed at Swan Lake Lutheran Church. Gary graduated from Litchfield High School in 1969, and joined the Minnesota National Guard, serving 6 years with the Litchfield unit. At the same time, Gary was doing what he loved, farming.

On April 20, 1974, he married Kathy (Johnson) at First Lutheran Church in Litchfield. He treasured the 52 years they shared together. From this union, a son, Corey, and a daughter, Alison, were born. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to many. His children and grandchildren held a special place in his heart and he was happiest when his family was close by.

Gary farmed all his life and took pride in caring for the land and animals. He understood what each growing season would expect of him and met it with steady hands, quiet patience, and a committed work ethic to become a good steward of the land. There is no better display of faith than a farmer planting seeds in a field and looking forward to a successful harvest each year. He was a strong supporter of the farming community serving on the boards of the Darwin Elevator, Litchfield Co-op for 30 years, Swan Lake Cemetery, and a member of First Lutheran Church. Gary would find time to lend a helping hand or share equipment with a neighbor in need. One of the ways Gary helped others was in being an avid blood donor, he donated 144 pints (18 gallons!) of blood during his lifetime. He received 1 unit of blood and 1 unit of platelets during his illness.

Gary always had a project in various stages of completion. He used his designer, fabricator, welder, mechanic, and carpenter skills to build equipment and buildings with a goal of making work easier for others. The new farm shop was the latest project he was proud to complete and use.

Gary enjoyed traveling. He and Kathy took many bus tours with the Linder Farm Network to learn about different farming practices in various regions of our country. Their trip to Alaska was a highlight, full of memories like boating to the Columbia Glacier and feeling the 50 degree temperature drop in minutes! Gary also enjoyed many hunting trips to numerous states and Canada. Many great memories were made on these hunting trips.

Gary also enjoyed working on the collector cars he owned. Summer time was for cruising with Kathy and friends, checking out the crops, driving around Green Lake, and stopping for ice cream at Dairy Queen.

The most important things in his life were the relationships and friendships, which developed in his farming career and personal life. After church on Sunday morning, Gary and close friends would sit down to socialize, creating their own "educational hour." Their "couples group," who have gathered together monthly for 50 years, have been an important part of his life.

Farm and family legacy was a goal Gary wanted to achieve and leave to his family during his lifetime. He completed that goal this fall. A strong farming operation is in place and the next generation of the Cervin family is ready to move forward. Gary set an example of a family working together, caring for and helping each other.

Gary is survived by his wife Kathy, son Corey (Kris), daughter Alison (Brent), grandchildren Gabriel, Joshua, Cade, Carson, Madalyn, and Kalle, his sister Linda, brother Orlan (Deb), nieces, nephews, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider giving a memorial to St. Croix Hospice or the Litchfield FFA Alumni and Supporter Group.