Gary Lee Spooner

Gary Spooner, age 87 of Cottage Grove, MN passed away on March 23, 2026 from leukemia surrounded by his family.

Gary Spooner has been a real-bearded Santa for 57 years and is truly a cornerstone of his community. He helped start the first Chamber of Commerce, published a local newspaper, and served as a past president and organizer of the Deputy Registrars Association. Gary also served as a board member and president of the 916 Foundation, was a member of the Board of the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota,and was the last original member of the Woodbury/Cottage Grove Rotary. As a past owner of the Cottage Grove Deputy Registrar, he chaired the Deputy Registrars Legislative Committee and served as a lobbyist. His dedication to public service has touched countless lives in Cottage Grove and beyond.

To many children and families, Gary was Santa Claus: the warm smile behind the beard who didn't simply wear the suit; he lived the spirit of Santa every day through generosity, community service and simplicity.

Despite these many accomplishments, Gary never sought recognition-he simply believed in doing the right thing. Gary has always lived by the values of honor and service to others. He may not be a wealthy man, but by the measure of friendship and community impact, he is rich beyond measure. He has never asked for anything and was always willing to give. The family is deeply grateful the community's outpouring of love and support during this time.

Gary is survived by his daughters Marjorie (Eric) Williams and Laura Lynn Booth; sisters Carol Hensen and Beryl Schoonover; brother Thomas Spooner; sister-in-law Connie Spooner; brother-in-law George Booth III; special niece Karen (Steve), Emily and Ryan Balcom, George Booth IV and family and Stephen Booth; as well as special aunt Ruth Voights.Gary is preceded in death by his parents Robert and Hope (Rockenbach) Spooner; wife Judith and younger brother Roger Spooner.

Visitation will be from 4-7 PM on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at Crossroads Church, 7955 Ivystone Ave. S.; Cottage Grove, MN. A Celebration of Life service will be at 11 AM on Friday, April 10, 2026 at Crossroads Church with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Private interment at Cottage Grove Cemetery in Cottage Grove, MN at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials go to 'Basic Needs' in South Washington County - CLICK HERE or you are welcome to donate to their GoFundMe - CLICK HERE to help with expenses.

LIVESTREAM INFORMATION: For those who would like to participate in the service via livestream, you can watch the service by scrolling to the bottom of this page, and click “PLAY" to begin. Please leave a message of support on our Tribute Wall to let the family know you were able to watch the service. If you are having trouble with the Livestream, the service will be available to watch later in the day.