I miss you so much, not a day goes by without thinking of you. I love you Dad.

Your name comes up often.
We tell stories and reminisce.
You always looked out for us.
You commanded respect and returned it when earned.
You always gave us time when we needed a friend.
We miss you.
We love you.
We will never forget you Gary.
Thank you for being our friend.
Until we meet again dear Brother.

I miss your hugs and heartfelt advice. I am forever grateful for your love and guidance. I miss you beyond words. You are forever in my heart ❤️ I love you dad.

Gary Zahlen was more than a manager to my wife Terri and I. He was brilliant with numbers and operation organization, but he had a very kind and tender side always taking time for our family and asking how we were doing.  Always on the lookout for job opportunities which would better enrich our lives, Gary would ensure he would make time to listen to how we were doing and what was new with us.  We all have moments in life when coming to work can be difficult and on those few occasions something very personal was affecting me deeply, he always made sure I had time to take a breather and collect myself, so I was able to get back to work and give my best performance for the guests and my fellow coworkers.  He took pride in making sure things ran as efficient as possible and the bottom line was as optimized as possible.  Terri and I feel blessed to have crossed paths with this honorable, intelligent and occasionally gruff man.  He made a profound impact in our lives, and we will never forget what he brought to the workplace, our personal lives and family needs.

Gary, we know you are up there looking down and keeping an eye on us as we expect you would be doing.  If possible and the good Lord deems it is ok, feel free to drop by and give us a little goose if allowed.  WE will leave the light on.

God bless Sir,
Adam & Terri Frieholtz

To Gary's family:
Gary impressed me as being simply one of the "good guys".  He was a wonderful boss to work for and had a very human side to him because I could always talk to him on a personal level.  I was in awe of his interesting and varied background and loved to listen to the fascinating stories of his interactions with famous people over the years that he told in hilarious ways.  He was quite the character and a true gentleman.  Rest in peace, Gary.

Here's a shout out to the bad-ass supervisor that hired me. Even though no one thought I would pass probation, I thought we would retire together. I thought we would have more time. 
There are some things I need to tell you. Thanks for going above and beyond. Thanks for listening. You understood that I didn't have it all figured out and that it would still be okay. Thanks for not treating me like a child. You knew that I was struggling with everything life throws our way. Thanks for not calling me out in front of everyone, more importantly thanks for not embarrassing me in front of everyone when I made mistakes or said something stupid. Thanks for believing in me when I didn't believe in myself. Thank you for your guidance. (See what I did there? :) Your impact extends beyond me and beyond the walls of the guide room. You've instilled in all of us the courage to face challenges with confidence and grace. Thanks for having your door open to us; ready to guide and support. Thanks for making the VC not just about tours and talks but about learning and growth. You leave behind a work ethic like no other and a blueprint for success that will continue to guide and inspire us. Thank you, Gary, for everything. Sincerely, Karen

Rest easy Gary. You were one hell of a guy and the best neighbor anyone could ask for.

Gary's family, 
You have lost a true treasure.  His love for you was so deep he always smiled when he spoke of you.  He was so proud of his daughters and never missed a chance to say that.  His grandson was his pride and joy and he kept pictures of him on his office wall!  He was so proud of him and shared videos he had of him with me.  His story time was great, he had many to tell.  I know he is at peace now and I know that he will be forever watching over you all.
With much love for you all,

Leslie Goudie

Gary, you are one of a kind. It was a pleasure working with you at Hoover Dam, and I will miss our chats. Whether it was about family (which always made you smile), working in the resorts (what a ride!), or any of life's other adventures, you always had a unique perspective and a no-nonsense attitude. In fact, I think your attitude is what I will miss the most! You were always good for a laugh, for that I thank you. 
Praying for your grandson, your family and friends. Hoping your memory helps light their way through the days ahead. 
Miss ya already!

Thank you for being such a great friend and mentor.  I will always treasure the many stories you shared of your life, your travels around the world, how much you loved your family and your grandson.  There will never be another person like you, but we have the memories of you to remember and smile about each and every day.  

Lane

OBITUARY

Gary J. Zahlen

September 16, 1942 – July 28, 2024

Palm Boulder Highway Mortuary & Cemetery

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