Gary Eugene McCarter

In Loving Memory of

Gary Eugene McCarter

Gary McCarter was born on June 14, 1957, in Orange, California to Richard and Janice Winbigler McCarter.  He grew up in Orange and graduated from Orange High School in 1975.  Gary then attended Santa Ana College.  In 1979 he began EMT and Fire Department Training at the City of Glendale Fire Academy.  Following graduation from the Academy Gary went to work for the City of Glendale Fire Department.  In 1986 he moved to Burbank, CA but remained with the Glendale Fire Department.  On February 20, 2005, he and Jan Wahl were married at Knollwood Country Club in Granada Hills, CA.  Following their marriage, they continued living in Burbank.  Gary retired after 35 years of services to the City of Glendale in that time “I have saved lives and property. I’ve driven fire engines and ambulances with lights and sirens blaring. I’ve held the hands of scared people that feared for their lives.”  He taught CPR for the public for 2years.  In 2015 they purchased a home in Slayton, MN and shared their time between Burbank and Slayton.  In 2020 they made their home in Slayton full time but continued sharing their time between Minnesota and California.  Gary volunteered at the Murray County Historical Society, Shetek Lutheran Ministries, and the Murray County Food Shelf, and he and Jan were Mr. and Mrs. Claus at the Holt House.  While in California Gary attended Redhill Lutheran Church in Tustin, CA.  In Slayton Gary attended Three Ministries and Christ Lutheran Church.  He was Baptized in the Jordan River in Israel and walked in the sea of Galilee.  Gary was a giving person always looking for ways to help others and better his community.  “I’ve brought the Word of the Lord to people needing direction.” Gary passed away at his home with Jan by his side on Tuesday, September 24, 2025, at the age of 68.  Gary enjoyed snow skiing, visiting the elderly, traveling, moto cross, dirt bike, quad riding, surfing, rock climbing, repelling, scuba diving, camping, flying, golfing and flying video games.  In 1989 he adopted his best friend a Moluccan Cockatoo named Sidney. 

Survivors include his wife, Jan McCarter of Slayton, MN, two brothers, Robert McCarter of Sedona, AZ, and Matthew McCarter of Eagle Rock, CA, several in-laws, nieces, nephews, and their families and Sidney.  He is preceded in death by his parents, and grandparents, Ernest and Elsa Winbigler, and Eugene and Minnie McCarter.

Funeral Services

Christ Lutheran Church in Slayton on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Chad Duffy and Rev. Pete Beerman officiating.  The organist is Nancy Lee Pearson with special music by Ryan Wilkison.  The pallbearer are James Wahl, Rodney Wilkison, Frank Sullivan, Harvey Larson, Brad Bergeson, and Terry Schmidt.  The honorary pallbearers are Robert McCarter, Michael Cavell and Michael Lindsey.  Interment will be private.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the church on Tuesday.  Totzke Funeral Home of Slayton is entrusted with arrangements. To send condolences visit totzkefuneralhome.com

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