Dr. Gary Rahe

We lost an extraordinary man when Gary Rahe, MD, died peacefully surrounded by family and friends, February 26, 2026. He led an exemplary life as a loving husband, father, grandfather, friend, and devoted physician. In all of his life roles, he carried himself with a blend of dedication, compassion, humility and professionalism; rare virtues in a modern world.

Gary was born December 5, 1940 in Crescent, Oklahoma, to Clifford and June Rahe. His strong work ethic was shaped by being raised on a farm where he excelled in competing as a Junior Master Farmer. He even initially considered becoming a veterinarian before finding his true passion in medicine. Gary attended 1st and 2nd grade in a one-room schoolhouse, Rose Hill, and later went to Crescent School where he met his high school sweetheart, Rosalie Tontz, who would later become his wife of 65 ½ years. After graduating from Oklahoma State University in 1961, Gary entered the University of Oklahoma School of Medicine, earning an MD in 1965. After medical school, he joined the military as a captain and enjoyed the excitement of being a flight surgeon in the USAF, training in San Antonio and stationed in Warner Robins, Georgia. After his service, Gary returned to Oklahoma City to complete his fellowship in hematology and oncology. He then joined St. Anthony Hospital, where he dedicated his entire career to caring for the sickest of patients in their greatest time of need. He served as the hospital’s Chief of Staff and the President of Oklahoma County Medical Association. Additionally, he served on the boards of St. Anthony Foundation, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma, as well as other professional committees too numerous to count.

Described as pragmatic yet fun loving and approachable with a keen sense of humor, Gary loved playing golf, collecting wine and traveling the world. He cherished entertaining at his home with his expansive friend group and family where he often cooked his famous grilled lamb chops and always served the wine. He made a profound and lasting impact on so many people and his loss will be deeply felt by all who knew him.

Gary is survived by his beloved wife, Rosalie, his son, Greg, and wife Lupita, of Merida, Mexico, his daughter, Dana, and husband Chris Shadid, MD of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and his granddaughter, Olivia Butler, and partner, Kieran Turnbull, of Portland, Oregon, brother Doyle Rahe, nephew Mike Rahe and wife Olga, of Hobbs, New Mexico, nephew Steve Rahe and wife, Angie, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, niece Karen Padilla and husband Chris, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, niece, Ann Jones, MD, and partner Mark LeGault of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, niece Diane Jones of Frisco, Texas, nephew Brian McGuire and wife Anita, and great nephew, Guy McGuire and wife Lauren, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, sister-in-law, Joyce Jones of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and sister-in-law, Ruth McGuire of Claremore, Oklahoma. Preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and June, brother-in-law Wight Jones, sister-in-law Wilma Rahe, and nephew Mark Jones.

A Celebration of Life will be held 2:00 p.m. Thursday, March 5, Church of the Servant, 14343 N MacArthur Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73142

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the St. Anthony Hospital Foundation or to the Church of the Servant.