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BORN
1957
DIED
2019
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Gary Traeger Obituary
Mt. Angel - Gary Leo Traeger, passed away on Saturday, May 25, 2019, surrounded by his family. He had battled tongue cancer for nearly 2 years. Gary was determined to attack his disease his own way, and he did just that. He never gave up, but simply ran out of time. Born July 26, 1957 in Silverton, Gary was the only son of Leo & Betty Traeger of Mr. Angel. He was profoundly deaf, and started school at the Oregon State School for the Deaf (OSSD) in Salem, at 3 years old. He played basketball and football on the OSSD teams. Gary worked for 18 years as a welder, making Traeger Barbeques. Reading was a passion, as well as gardening, hard work, recycling and conservation. He was eager to reach out to his friends and neighbors and help with anything they needed. He was entirely practical about all decisions; he never let fashion or popularity guide his choices. He wore clothes for comfort and utility. Gary loved his family, God and community. Gary was preceded in death by his father, Leo Traeger and his sister Joanie Traeger. He is survived by his mother, Betty Traeger of Mt. Angel, Sisters Teresa(Ron) Bryant, Marilyn (Jim) Hall, Rosie (Dan) Wilgus and Annie (Pete) Grosjacques, and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral Mass will be held11:00 am, Thursday, May 30, 2019 at St. Mary Catholic Church, with interment following Mass at Calvary Cemetery. Arrangements are by Unger Funeral Chapel - Mt. Angel. See Full obituary at www.ungerfuneralchapel.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Gary Traeger
Sponsored by Unger Funeral Chapel, Silverton Silverton.
6 Entries
Jan Olson
June 7, 2019
I had the pleasure of meeting Gary while I was at work one day~He & I had a very nice conversation, as I sign too, something rather uncommon in a grocery store apparently. Won't ever forget his smile and pleasant personality; A gentle soul indeed, now will be missed. Here I had just been thinking about him recently, when I stumbled upon the news of his passing. Rest in Peace sweet friend... Heaven's gained another Angel, indeed. My condolences to the family as well. Love & Peace to you all.
Lyle Petty
May 29, 2019
I will always remember Gary as a gentle and sweet guy. I am thankful for our time together mining for gold with John McKenzie and Ron Johns in California wilderness during entire summer. We had a blast!! God rest your soul my good friend, Gary Traeger...
Rose Lones
May 29, 2019
Sorry for your loss of Gary he's nice person from Oregon school for the deaf rose lones
Keith M Cagle
May 29, 2019
I will always remember him as a great quarterback in our football team. He was a smart guy.
Keith M. Cagle
Class of 1977 at OSD
Joanne Duyck
May 28, 2019
In the Traeger family loosing Joanie and Uncle Leo must have been hard enough for the family but I remember how well the whole family took on how they handle Gary's deafness as well. The entire family has so much love and strength for each other and in the care of Gary and I'm glad to be related and stay connected to them. We have had many great memories & laughs together with our families and we are so sad for Betty & the family & in what they have to go through. The Van Dykes send much love and prayers to the family always. God bless your family.
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