Gary Engelhardt

Gary A. Engelhardt passed away peacefully on June 24, 2025, surrounded by his wife and daughter.

Gary was born on February 12, 1942, in Hastings, Nebraska, to Leon and Ethel (Clifton) Engelhardt. He was the tenth child born to the couple. Gary grew up in Hastings and excelled both academically and athletically, earning accolades in three sports: football, basketball, and track. He attended Hastings College to play football, but a knee injury ended his dream of one day playing for the Nebraska Huskers.

Gary's love for speed and competition didn't stop there-he turned to racing cars and continued doing so well into his seventies. He was proud of his 1923 T-Bucket and 1971 Nova, and he loved cruising around town or heading to car shows with his T-Bucket club.

In 1963, on the same day President Kennedy was assassinated, Gary received his draft notice. He reported to Fort Riley, Kansas, and joined the 1st Infantry Division, known as the "Big Red One." After training, he was deployed to Vietnam. Decades later, Gary began experiencing serious health issues linked to Agent Orange exposure during his time in service.

On April 20, 1974, Gary married Lu Ann Westfall. This year, they celebrated 51 years of marriage. The following year, their daughter Nikki was born on June 25, 1975. She became the center of his world-his fishing buddy, boating partner, and outdoor adventurer. Wherever Gary went, Nikki was by his side.

Nikki later blessed Gary and Lu Ann with three beloved grandchildren: Ashton Lehto (Nick Huss), Kolton Lehto, and Jewel Avery. Just like their mom, they were Papa's pride and joy. Gary cherished taking them for rides in his hotrods and sharing his love of cars. When Ashton and Nick gave him his first great-grandson, Wayne Huss, Gary fell head over heels for the little guy. Kolton will proudly carry on the tradition of giving great-grandkids rides in Papa's T-Bucket.

Gary is survived by his wife, Lu Ann Engelhardt; daughter, Nikki Avery; grandchildren, Ashton Lehto (Nick Huss), Kolton Lehto, and Jewel Avery; and great-grandson, Wayne Huss. He is also survived by his sisters, Shirley Paramor and Joan Herre; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends-including his lifelong best friend from school, Allen Curtis. The two remained close throughout the years, and though they never spilled the details, it's certain they got into a bit of mischief together back in the day.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leon and Ethel Engelhardt; brothers Kenneth "Buzz," Lloyd "Sonny," and Leland Engelhardt; and sisters Bernice Griffith, Arlene Hoffman, Doris Parson, and Althea Bland.

Gary had a big heart and an even bigger sense of humor. He loved to tell jokes to anyone who would listen and never missed a chance to make someone laugh. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.