Gary Spooner passed Monday, March 23. He was 87.
Best known locally for being a community Santa as well as the former publisher of the South Washington County Bulletin and Woodbury Bulletin, Spooner attended Baker grade school in St. Paul, graduating from Murray High School and attending Hamline University as well as the University of Minnesota for three years, majoring in business. Becoming a supermarket manager, Spooner married wife Judy Sept. 9, 1961, moving three days later to Cottage Grove. Over the years he was instrumental in many community enterprises, including as a founding member of the Cottage Grove Area Chamber of Commerce.
Cottage Grove Area Chamber President Laurie Levine paid tribute to him in an email.
“Dear Chamber members,” she wrote. “Yesterday we lost our Founder of the Chamber, a Community Legend, my mentor and friend!
“God speed to Santa Gary, he will be missed by all of us who's lives he has touched!
Cottage Grove Mayor Myron Bailey recently presented a proclamation to Spooner for Gary Spooner Day on March 15, paying tribute on Facebook.
“Today I had the distinct honor of presenting a proclamation that the Cottage Grove City Council approved at our last meeting signifying today, March 15, as Gary Spooner Day in Cottage Grove!” he wrote. “Gary has been an instrumental part of the history of Cottage Grove and the success we’ve had as a community! From being a founding member of the Cottage Grove Lion’s Club, owner and operator of the Cottage Grove Bulletin, the Cottage Grove License Center, founding member of the Cottage Grove Change of Commerce, as well as being a member or leader of many other groups and agencies. We are excited to celebrate Gary’s 87th birthday. Some know Gary by another name…Santa! I did tell Gary that today’s winter storm was Mother Natures way of celebrating his years as Santa Claus! Thank you Gary for allowing me and others to celebrate your birthday today!”
Spooner’s first experience as Santa came at the Grant City Discount Store in 1970, a role he filled many times after. He and wife Judy would have two daughters, making the Cottage Grove area their home.
Preceded in death by wife Judy in 2016, Spooner announced retirement from his role as local Santa late last year, due to health problems. Spooner was 2025 Historic Preservationist of the Year last May by the Cottage Grove City Council for his role recording local history, the Council more recently naming March 15, 2026 at Gary Spooner Day in Cottage Grove.
Daughter Marjorie Williams paid tribute in a Go Fund Me entitled “Honoring a Community Santa’s Legacy,” meant to help with funeral expenses.
“My father, Gary Spooner, has been a real-bearded Santa for 57 years and is truly a cornerstone of our community,” she said. “He started the first Chamber of Commerce, published a local newspaper, and served as past president and organizer of the Deputy Registrars Association. Gary was also a board member and president of the 916 Foundation, a member of the Board of the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota, and the last original member of the Woodbury/Cottage Grove Rotary. As a past owner of the Cottage Grove Deputy Registrar, Gary headed the Deputy Registrars Legislative Committee and served as a lobbyist. His dedication to service has touched countless lives in Cottage Grove and beyond.
“Despite his many accomplishments, my father never sought recognition—he simply believed in doing the right thing. When he sold his business, he hoped to enjoy retirement with my mother, but life had other plans. My mother suffered a massive stroke and spent 18 months in hospice, which depleted their savings. Afterward, my father moved in with my husband and me, and we have managed to cover living expenses together, but only just. Now, as he faces leukemia and we prepare for the long goodbye, we are reaching out for help with funeral expenses.
“His values were to be honorable and to do right by others. He may not be a rich man, but if he is judged by the number of friends he has, he is rich beyond measure. He has never asked for anything and was always happy to give. Any funds raised will go toward his funeral expenses, and anything left over will be donated to Basic Needs Inc. of South Washington County, a charity he and my mother supported. We are grateful for any support you can offer, whether through a donation or by sharing this fundraiser. Thank you for helping us honor his legacy.
Those wishing to donate in honor of Spooner’s legacy and to help with funeral expenses may do so at www.gofundme.com/f/honoring-a-community-santas-legacy