Gary Duggan was born December 28, 1938 in Ayr, ND, the son of Floyd and Ella (Schneekloth) Duggan. He was raised in Page, ND and graduated from Page High School in 1958. He married Carol Palmer July 2, 1960 in Page, ND. Gary attended North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton, ND and graduated in May 1961 with associates degree in heating and air conditioning. In 1962, he entered the Army and was stationed in Fort Carson, CO and later did his service in Vicenza, Italy. Upon completion of his military career in 1963, they returned back to the West Fargo area.