Gerald Thomas Stuhr

Gerald (Gary) Stuhr was born on November 7, 1931 in Yakima, Washington to Cecilia and Fred Stuhr. He was the youngest of 15 children and more than likely learned some of his stubbornness and toughness learning to survive with many brothers and sisters in a small house. Surrounded by family at the peaceful and loving Cottage in the Meadow, Gary went to be with the Lord on March 18, 2016.

He graduated from Marquette High School with the class of 1950 where he excelled in sports. Along with his nephew, Norton Carlson, he went on to play semi-pro baseball for a short time.

After graduation he joined the Coast Guard. When his tour in the Coast Guard was finished he enrolled at Seattle University. It was here he met the love of his life and his future wife, Janice Bornstein. They have six children: Sandy Stuhr, Quito, Ecuador, Vicke (Ty) Schrindel, Naches, Cindy (Andrew) Rigterink, Haleiwa, Hawaii, Jeni (Mike) Morton, Yakima, Katie (Dale) Wakasugi, Woodbury, Minnesota, Tony (Brenda) Stuhr, Benton City; ten grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.

Gary was an avid hunter and fisherman. He began these outdoor adventures early in life with his father Fred and their big red Chesapeake (Sport). He enjoyed the hunt with his friends and family more than the actual taking of the animal or landing the big fish -- which always got bigger with each ensuing story. Those who hunted pheasants with Gary in the lower valley remember him for his Browning shotgun with the cigar stain on the stock and the long line of favorite hunting dogs from Dusty the Weimaraner, me too Charlie the Lab, Duchess the Brittany to his last dog Molly. He enjoyed starting these early morning hunts at Hills which began the bragging rights over coffee and pancakes. And when the day was finished after miles of sugar beets or corn, there was always the pheasant that flew away dead as Gary never missed a shot that he could remember.

The family golf tournaments organized by Gary and his brother Chuck were special times when family from far and wide would come to hack at that little white ball, cuss a little and share many stories and much laughter over a drink and food on the 19th hole. He was very proud of his hole in one and carried the newspaper clipping to show anyone who doubted. Whenever family was in town golf would be on the agenda with a friendly bet on the game. And, with burgers and drinks on the line, he was always a tough competitor.

Family was very important to Gary… in fact, it was just about everything. His home was always open to whomever needed a bite to eat, a bed to sleep or just a pat on the shoulder and a laugh. The dinner table often consisted of additional friends and family, there was always enough, no matter how many gathered. As is evident by the outpouring of love to the family at this time, Gary was a friend to many and all, he touched lives in ways that maybe he wasn’t even aware of fully… he will be missed, no doubt, but he will truly live on in the hearts of so many.

At the request of Gary there will be no formal funeral, instead, a celebration of his life will be held at a later date (to be determined).

To share a memory of Gary visit www.lepfuneralhome.com.