Gary L. Semenick

Gary L. Semenick, 73, of Ely, Minnesota, formerly of Hickory, Pennsylvania, passed away on Monday, December 15, 2025.

He was born on September 6, 1952, in Washington, Pennsylvania, a son of the late Charles and Virginia (Ghelfi) Semenick.

Gary was a graduate of Fort Cherry High School. Following graduation, he moved to Tower, Minnesota, where he worked as a handyman at Everette Bay Lodge on Lake Vermilion. As he learned the trade, he discovered a love for woodworking, which led him to build quality furniture and cabinetry and eventually become a self-employed contractor. Gary later designed and built his own home on Clear Lake.

Gary became well known in the town of Ely and enjoyed a wonderful circle of close friends. He loved attending Bible study, making pizzelles, going to the gym, fishing off his dock, and participating in an annual fishing tournament with his cousin, Rich Semenick. He was a devoted member of New Life Church in Ely, Minnesota. Gary also faithfully followed his great-nephew Landon’s baseball career and eagerly looked forward to watching his latest videos and tracking his stats.

Surviving are two sisters, Karen “Cookie” (Frank) Shinshasky and Charlotte “Tina” Huchko, both of Hickory; seven nieces and nephews: Carrie (Vernon) Holley, Brian (Shannon) Huchko, Jennifer Huchko, Rachael (Danny) Doern, Rebecca (Robert) MacPharland, Renee (Keisuke) Mochizuki, and Richard (Ashley) Semenick; along with numerous great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by a sister, Sharon Semenick, and a brother, Richard “Tiny” Semenick (survived by his wife, Bonnie).

Family and friends will be received on Thursday, December 18, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Graff-Nation Funeral and Cremation Service, 220 E. Lincoln Avenue, McDonald, PA 15057. Funeral services will be held immediately following the visitation at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow in Mt. Prospect Cemetery, Hickory, Pennsylvania.