Gary Emil Selberg , 75, Velva, died Monday, October 2, 2017, following a long and hard-fought battle with pulmonary asbestos disease.

Gary was born February 27, 1942, in Minot, ND to Emil and Cecilia (Jacobson) Selberg. Gary's childhood was full of adventure and the beginning of life long relationships. He was a lifelong member of Oak Valley Lutheran Church, where he was baptized, confirmed and married. Gary spent high school summers near Flathead Lake, earning money painting and spending time with his aunts. Gary graduated from Velva High School in 1960.

Gary worked in the custom combining industry prior to continuing his education at the Wahpeton State School of Science. He completed the electrician program and became an apprentice in the IBEW. Gary was a 48-year member of the IBEW and was installed in the Local Union 292 in Minneapolis in 1969, transferring his membership to the Local Union 714 in Minot in 1977. Gary believed in worker's rights and he never was one to compromise his values. Gary continued throughout his life to extend a hand to the members of the IBEW long after retirement. In 2004, he started what he called the "Help A Brother Fund." The fund sent money to fellow members or their families during times of need. Gary lead the program until just two weeks ago.

Gary was united in marriage to Alice Gunsch on November 9, 1974. They made their lifelong home in Velva.

As someone with a nickname for everyone, he was known by many as Cadillac Jack. Gary was once in a lifetime kind of person. He was an amazing storyteller, a mentor, practical joker, gardener, perfectionist, and an independent thinker. Gary's heart was bigger than life.

He is survived by his 'Sweetheart' aka 'Mala' of 43 years, Alice Selberg, Velva; daughters, Stacey Sheffield, Plant City, FL, Jody Selberg and husband, Aaron Wangen, Mankato, MN, Sandra Ruth Selberg, Mankato, MN and Teryl Anderson and husband, SMSgt. Joe Anderson, Minot, ND; adopted daughter, Leah Turner and husband, Matt; grandchildren, Ciara (Michael) Pearlman, Celise, Carissa, Dylan, Cecelia, Mariah, Oakley, Finley Emil, Norah Ruth, Genesis and Ezra; great-grandchildren, Caydin and Knox and nephews, Mark and Mel Brekhus along with his sidekick, Penn Johnston.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, sister and brother-in-law, Annetta and Berle Draper, brother and sister-in-law, Howard and Fern Brekhus and niece, Mary Brekhus.

Funeral Service: 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 7, 2017 at Oak Valley Lutheran Church, Velva with a time of fellowship and refreshments to follow the service.

Interment: Velva Community Cemetery, Velva, ND later in 2017.

Visitation: Friday, October 6, 2017, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.

A celebration of Gary's life for family and friends will be held after the funeral service at the Electrical Workers LU714 at 125 35th Ave NE in Minot. All are invited to attend and share stories and memories.