Gary James Kohlmeyer, husband, father, and grandfather, has passed away at the age of 82, after a battle with lung cancer.
He was born on Nov. 5, 1940 to parents Leland (Jim) Kohlmeyer and Mary Ann Peschka Kohlmeyer in Oakland, California.
He is survived by his siblings, Fritzi Bronec, Lois Hassing, Bill Kohlmeyer (Skyla) and Beth Mallon (Kevin). He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Jean Howard; brothers-in-law, Doug Howard, Joe Bronec, Dave Hassing; brother, Steve Kohlmeyer; and wife, Dianne Kohlmeyer.
Gary graduated from St. Joseph High School in San Lorenzo, California. in 1959 and went on to attend Laney Trade School to further his education. Gary married his wife Dianne on Jan. 11, 1964 and in 1969, they moved from Oakland to Silverton, Oregon to raise their family.
Gary was father to Mark Kohlmeyer and Cindy Vaughn (Ken). He had three grandchildren, Kalie Austin (Cole), Kylie Vaughn and Chance Kohlmeyer, along with one great granddaughter, Elsie Austin.
He had a long and successful career working as a machinist for Boeing in Gresham, Oregon. Upon his retirement his hobbies included building model airplanes and ships, attending airshows, fly fishing, watching classic western films and reading Stephen King novels.
He was known for his quick wit, wonderful sense of humor and storytelling. Gary was always the life of the party, and everyone enjoyed being around him.
Gary requested a private service for immediate family with a celebration of life for both him and his wife Dianne, as she preceded him in death four months prior. Arrangements are by Unger Funeral Chapel – Silverton. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your library to honor his love for reading.
