Gary was born on November 8, 1945, in St. Charles, MO, to Vernon Henry and Hildegard Anna (Richterkessing) Hollrah. He was raised in the Immanuel Lutheran Church and Elementary School and graduated May 31, 1959. He attended St. Charles High School and graduated June 7, 1963. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, trained in San Diego, CA, and was discharged January 16, 1967. After his honorable discharge, he attended the University of Missouri, graduating with a B.A. in Education, December 23, 1971, followed by two years of graduate work at Washington State University. His love of golf resulted in his becoming a member of the Professional Golf Association (PGA) and working as Assistant Pro at North Shore Golf and Country Club and Head Pro at Artondale Golf Club. On March 20, 1976, he married Patrice, and they raised two children, Stacy and Shane.
Gary had a passion for golf and enjoyed playing whenever he had a chance. Gary used to say, “Rather than a good golfer, I’d like to be remembered as a good person who just happened to play golf.” He loved his family so much that he left his golf career for show biz to travel on the road, so Patrice could perform in production shows across the country. He spent 31 years in a number of positions—company manager, assistant technical director, stage technician, head carpenter, performer—finally retiring in 2010 from Cirque du Soleil, Las Vegas. Gary was easy going with a great sense of humor, endearing him to all he met.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Hildegard; his siblings, brother John, and sister Joan.
He is survived by his wife, Patrice; his daughter, Stacy (Mike) Storem and their children, Zachary and Aaron; his son, Shane; his brothers, Lloyd (Diane), Wayne (Deonna), Stan (Denise); his sisters, Janet, Susan, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Arrangements will be handled by Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 6701 30th Ave. SW, Seattle, WA 98126, and a memorial service will be held and livestreamed on August 10, 2020 at the following link:
https://www.oneroomstreaming.com/view/authorise.php?k=159676979671108
In lieu of flowers, Gary’s family suggests donations to The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration: AFTD.
FAMILY
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