Gary Philip Price

Gary Philip Price died peacefully at home, in the loving care of his family on March 14, 2025. Gary was born September 11, 1950, in Ravenswood Hospital, Chicago, Illinois to Vivian A. Morin Price and Emanuel Price, but his formative years were spent in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Gary was an excellent student within the Catholic school system, He was invited to join the Archdiocese of Milwaukee Junior Discovery Program, a special program devised to “challenge the intellectual child.” Gary’s education was exemplary, and he spent his entire life eager to learn. As a teenager Gary started working summers in a stone quarry, where he learned to be a stone cutter with some of the best limestone in Wisconsin. Gary was offered a scholarship to Marquette University but was drafted to the war instead. Early testing within the Army offered him a chance to attend the United States Officer Candidate School. Gary declined this invitation as he didn’t see himself with a career in the military. After his time in Vietnam, Gary returned to Milwaukee where he graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a major in philosophy. Gary then continued his education at the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law which became the bedrock of his career. What better opportunity to use his eidetic memory than in case law?

After the war and with his law degree in hand, Gary received an offer to join Dutton, Kappes, and Overman. Gary worked there for years until breaking away with his friend, David Gray, to establish Price & Gray. Gary was then recruited by an early mentor to help establish Lewis, Kappes, Fuller, and Eads law firm. Gary also served as an adjunct professor teaching law at Butler University. While there he received many letters from students highlighting his ability to relay his brilliance to those willing to learn. In summation, throughout Gary’s life he was an avid learner and educator. The ‘Silent Observer’ he would joke.

Gary loved books, cross-country skiing, scuba diving, fast cars, dogs of all breeds, a good debate, historical documentaries, the sanctity of his home and especially his friends and family. He was very proud of his family where he excelled at creating magnificent moments. Those who knew Gary best longed for that nod and wry smile that represented his love and approval.

Survivors include his loving wife of 44 years Brenda Rising-Moore; daughter Kathryn; sons Chris Ertel, Brody Ertel (Nicole); granddaughters Alyse Edgar, Masie Ertel, and Jasmine Ertel; great-granddaughter Violet McIntire; brothers Richard G. Price, Christopher “Kit” Price; sister Christine “Tina” Nerlinger (Michael); and brothers-in-law Rick Rising-Moore, Carl Rising-Moore, Schaun Rising-Moore, and Adrian Rising-Moore (Kelly). He was preceded in death by his parents Emanuel “Duke” Price and Vivian (Morin); and brother-in-law Spencer Rising-Moore.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 5th from 1pm to 5pm at Crown Hill Funeral Home in the Celebration Hall. A short service will take place at 3:30pm with military honors to follow.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Gary’s name to the IU Health Foundation.