Gary Joe Chartraw

1937 - 2025

Gary Joe Chartraw

January 28, 1937 - April 5, 2025

Gary was born in Lebanon, OR to Gareld and Marie (Rohner) Chartraw. He passed away peacefully at home on April 5, 2025.

The eldest of five children, he spent his early years in Lebanon. They moved to Albany in 1943. He attended Columbia Prep, then finished high school as the first graduating class of Albany Union High School in 1955. The family owned & operated Chartraw Oil Company in Albany. Gary worked at the family station, soon developing his love for fast cars and joined the Albany Injectors car club and others. He attended OTI while enlisted in the National Guard. He worked for Simpson Plywood & F.L. Snyder & Sons before enlisting in the Army. He married Peggy Lang in 1959. Gary spent several years in the Army, completing basic training at Fort Ord, CA. He was stationed in Texas before deploying to Öedingen, Germany where he worked on the Nike Hercules missile system as a Missile Technician.

Upon an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army, Gary returned to Albany. He worked at Western Kraft as a heavy equipment mechanic for 34 years. During retirement he was a Financial Analyst for Primerica Financial Services/Citigroup.

Ever the tinkerer, Gary held many hobbies over the years and believed learning something new every day keeps the mind sharp. He enjoyed woodworking, stained glass, astronomy, science, genealogy, car shows and restoring classic cars and hot rods. He was a proud American who was devoted to his family, faith and country.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Gareld & Marie Chartraw.

He is survived by his wife, Peggy; his children: Marlané (Terry) Zumwalt, Kristi "Kasey" (Steve) Reinhart & Michael Chartraw; seven grandchildren: Jenny, Alaynna, Megan, Macy, Seth, Cole & Allyson and six great grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings: Ron, Sister Donna Marie "Beverly", Terry & Karen Sprague.

The funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m., Friday, April 18, 2025, at Fisher Funeral Home in Albany with concluding graveside at Willamette Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gary's honor to the Benedictine Sisters of Mount Angel.