Trooper Brian J. Pingry, 60

Formerly of Blue Earth – Trooper Brian J. Pingry, age 60, was born on Jan. 28, 1961, in Blue Earth. He went home to be with the Lord on Sept. 18, 2021, while serving the state of Florida for seven years.

Brian was a graduate of Winona State University, having received a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Upon graduating, Brian started his retail career with various companies including Office Max and was a manager with them for 20 years. In 2000, Brian and his family relocated from the state of Illinois to Fort Myers, Florida.

Brian began his second career with the Florida Highway Patrol on July 7, 2014, at the age of 53, with the 129th Recruit Class in Tallahassee, Florida. Upon graduating from the Florida Highway Patrol Academy, he was assigned to Troop F, Hendry County and transferred to Troop F, Lee County on April 1, 2016, where he continued to serve until his passing.

Brian enjoyed spending time with his family, yardwork, and cheering on his favorite sports teams, the Minnesota Twins and the Minnesota Vikings.

Brian is survived by his wife, Laura; daughter, Jessica; son, Jared; brother, Greg, along with his spouse, Elena and their children, Lisa and Michael; brother in-law, Jay Ruby, along with his children, Ben, Josh, and Amanda.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Arlene Pingry, and his sister, Charlene Ruby.