Gary Lee Pernsteiner
1957-2026
Gary Lee Pernsteiner, age 68, of Medford, died Friday, Sept. 18, 2026 at his home. Born on Dec. 5, 1957, he was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, and friend. He will be remembered for the love he shared with his family, the importance of his faith, and the lasting place he holds in the hearts of those who knew him. Gary was born to Henry and Lois Pernsteiner. He was a proud farmer and worked as a seed salesman for 51 years. Family and faith were at the center of his life, and he found his greatest joy in being a devoted husband, father, and grandpa. He took great pride in the life he created and in the family he cherished so deeply.
Gary married Linda Hoffman on Nov. 7, 1981 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Stetsonville. He cherished Linda and the life they built together. He never missed an anniversary, always finding a quiet way to make the day special. Each year, he would slip out to choose the biggest and most beautiful bouquet, find the perfect card, and add a personal handwritten note that reflected his deep love for her.
Gary loved hunting, fishing, especially in Canada with his son, friends and family, and traveling with Linda and his children. Some of his favorite trips were to Ireland and Alaska with Linda. He especially enjoyed traveling with family because it brought him happiness to see the people he loved spending time together and having fun.
Gary also loved gardening and could spend hours alongside Linda tending to the crops and making sure everything was just right. Each year, he took great pride in growing the perfect sweet corn and enjoyed the conversations it sparked with others. Visiting with people was one of his favorite things, and he had a gift for making those moments meaningful. He was a talented woodworker who took pride in every project, from building birdhouses for his grandchildren to crafting tables that became a gathering place for conversation and connection.
Gary poured his heart into every home-cooked meal he prepared. For him, cooking was a way to bring family together—to share good food, conversation, and time in one another’s company.
Gary is survived by his loving wife, Linda Pernsteiner, of Medford; children, Nick (Lydia) Pernsteiner, of Medford, and Jennifer (Brad) Johnas, of Mantorville, Minn. He was a proud grandfather to Meleah, Anna, Amelia, Makenna, Maddie, and Ethan.
He is also survived by his sisters, Jan Brehm and June (Jeff) Jones; and brother-in-law, John Resech; his mother-in-law, Beverly Hoffman; and his brothersand sisters-in-law, Susan Franke (Gary), Rita (Dave) Salzman, Lorna (Tom) Sackmann, Cheryl (Mike) Graff, Mark (Gail) Hoffman, Jeff Hoffman (April), Dan (Roxie) Hoffman and Charles “Chuck” Hoffman.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Lois Pernsteiner; his father-in-law, Charles Hoffman; and his sister, Gale Resech.
Gary’s family will forever carry with them the memories, lessons, love, and laughter he gave so freely. His faith, devotion to family, generous spirit, and joy in bringing people together will remain a lasting part of all who knew and loved him.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 12 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Medford, with Fr. Patrick McConnell and Fr. Thomas Kanna concelebrating. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Little Black.
Visitation was from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 12 p.m., Thursday at the church.
Memorials may go to either Holy Rosary Catholic Church or to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, both of which were dear to Gary’s heart.
Paid Obituary 189082
