Gary Oltrogge

GARY OLTROGGE Cedar Rapids Gary Robert Oltrogge (Grampy) died peacefully at his home in Bethlehem, Pa., on Thursday, July 7, 2016, with his family members at his side after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Gary was the son of the late Floyd J. Oltrogge and Frances Letsch Parsons. Born March 20, 1940, Gary grew up in Waterloo and graduated from Waterloo West High in 1958. Gary served in the U.S. Army and later attended the University of Northern Iowa, obtaining both his bachelor's and master's degrees. He made his home in Cedar Rapids and worked as a financial adviser for Dain Raucher until his retirement in 1999. Gary was united with his beloved wife, Tammy, on Jan. 13, 1979. In retirement, he and Tammy moved to Lake Delhi, where they enjoyed an abundance of friends and lake life. In 2014, they settled in Bethlehem, Pa., where in just a short time, he became dear to his community. Growing up, Gary spent time in his father's body shop and developed a passion for cars. This love for cars brought him and his second love, his 1967 Mustang, "together forever." Bought new, twice rebuilt and currently undergoing extensive repair, nothing would keep the two of them from making their mark. Although Gary found peace being at home working on projects, listening to music or working in his yard, he also enjoyed traveling with Tammy both in the U.S. and abroad, visiting family and friends. Being of German descent and being stationed in Germany earlier in his life, this was his favorite destination. Knowledge of his world, his ancestors, and, of course, his cars, made him the "go-to man" for all who knew him. Wherever Gary lived or traveled, he developed lifelong friendships and will be missed by so many. His "life well-lived" will be cherished through the life of his two children, 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild: son Kevin of Center Valley, Pa., his wife, Nicole, and children, Elizabeth, Greta and Kylie; daughter, Suzan Griswold of Omaha, Neb., children, Mason, Miller, Taylor and Baker Cambridge, Sonia, David, Sierra, Larry and Andee Jo Reeve; and great-grandchild, Jackson Coffey. Gary also was very close to his sister, Linda Musch, of Evansdale, as well as his sister and brothers-in-law, Connie and Chuck Serra of Oelwein and Becky and Chuck Otterbeck of Bonita Springs, Fla., as well as a host of nieces and nephews. He also is survived by his aunt and uncle, Dr. William and Majorie Letsch of San Diego, Calif., and his four cousins. A family committal at Oak Hill Cemetery, followed by a Celebration of Life for all those who knew and loved him, will be in Cedar Rapids at a later date. Contributions may be made in Gary's name to Oak Hill Cemetery Association ( www.gcrcf.org) or Camp Courageous ( www.campcourageous.org).