Gary Paul Wolrehammer

Gary P. Wolrehammer, 64 years old, was promoted to heaven on Monday, August 7, 2023, at his home in Cheney, Washington after battling leukemia for more than three years. Gary was born December 18, 1958, at Andrews AFB, Maryland, the second son to William and Frieda Wolrehammer. Born into an Air Force family, Gary moved throughout the United States, but he would tell you his best childhood memories are from the eight years the family lived in Okinawa. Here, with his siblings, he learned to bowl, dance, and perfected his roller-skating talents like any good kid of the 60s and 70s! After high school, Gary served in the USMC and was proud to be a US Marine. Upon his exit from the military, he spent over eight years traveling the US by working as a loader/unloader on long-haulers. His stories and adventures during those times were a mix of humor, drama, and suspense, but always entertaining! During these years, Gary visited all 48 states in the continental U.S. twice. In 1992, Gary met Ellen, the woman he credits for saving his life. They married July 17, 1999, in Great Falls, Montana, and Gary instantly inherited five stepchildren, numerous grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and they were his greatest joys. Gary and Ellen spent many years in Montana lending their time and energy to fighting fires and working at Base Camp. One of his favorite experiences was the helicopter ride to the drop-off point at the top of a mountain the team was trying to save. In the off-season, he worked construction. Some of his favorite pastimes were shooting a good game of pool, boating, and camping with his wife and kids, and spoiling his grandkids. He loved watching Skinwalker Ranch and The Curse of Oak Island and learning all there is to know about life on other planets, and if you had any doubt about aliens, Gary could convince you otherwise in a matter of minutes. In 2017, Gary split his time between Great Falls and Cheney to help care for his ailing father. It was during this time that he was first diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia and decided to stay in the area for his treatment. Gary is preceded in death by his father, William Wolrehammer, and leaves behind his wife of 24 years, Ellen (Bradford) Wolrehammer, stepchildren Annette, Billie, Bobbie, Brian, and John, 10 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren; daughter Adrienne (Adrianne) and three grandchildren, Keagan, Aveya, and AJ. He is also survived by his mother Frieda, four siblings, Dan (Denice), Kathy, John (Kathy), Karen (Jeremiah), bonus brother, Jon Wilmot (Jeanie), and too many nieces and nephews to count. On behalf of the Wolrehammer family, we would like to thank Cancer Care Northwest, Dr. Kaya, and Amanda Wood for their efforts in giving Gary every possible chance at life. And to the nurses and staff of Sacred Heart Medical Center’s 7 South floor, we will be forever grateful for the love, kindness, and dignity shown to Gary and our family during his 115-day stay in the hospital. You are our second family. A service will be held Monday, August 14, 2023, at 3:00 pm at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Cheney, WA. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Wounded Warriors Project or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Gary Paul Wolrehammer

December 18, 1958 - August 7, 2023