Gary grew up outside Britton. His days were busy on the farm, raising cattle and chickens and tending to the crops. In addition to 4-H and church activities, he played football in high school. After graduation, he moved to Arizona and worked on hereford cattle at John Wayne’s ranch. Gary married his high school sweetheart Joan Ellenson on September 30, 1972, in Britton. To this marriage, two sons were born. The family lived in North Dakota and Arizona as Gary worked various farming and ranching jobs, before moving to Cheyenne. There, Gary worked at the Wyoming Hereford Ranch, Consolidated Freightways, Coastal Chemical, and for the State of Wyoming. Gary was an avid gardener and enjoyed growing flowers. When the weather grew cold, he could be found inside watching football or basketball. All year round, he greatly enjoyed visiting with his neighbors, and working together with them on different projects. He valued his neighbors, as well as being a good neighbor. Gary was a life-long Lutheran. He showed great pride in the achievements and activities of his sons and grandchildren. Babies and young children brought him a lot of joy. He usually earned a smile from them after making eye contact, smiling, and wiggling his finger at them.

He is survived by Joan, his wife of 52 years; sons Robert (Lisa) of Thornton, Colorado, and Jeff (Deb) of Cheyenne; grandchildren Tim (Kerrey) Tisher of Cheyenne, Sam (Travis) Jones of Rapid City, South Dakota, Laura Tisher of Thornton, and Molly Tisher of Thornton; four greatgrandchildren; and brothers Wendall (Sharon) Tisher, Wayne (Kelly) Tisher, and Jim (Carmen) Tisher.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his In-laws Don and Ruth Ellenson, and his sisters-in-law Judy Ellenson and Verna Ellenson.