Garry Dale Unger

Garry Dale Unger

May 11,1963 - Oct. 16, 2021

ORANGE, Calif. — Garry Dale Unger was born May 11, 1963, in McCook, Neb., to Melvin and Glenva (Eland) Unger and baptized at Peace Lutheran Church, June 9, 1963. Garry went home to be with his Lord on Oct. 16, 2021.

Garry was the youngest with two older brothers, Dave and Dan. Growing up in a small town, he had the idyllic midwestern life. One not very well-hidden source of pride was that Garry always thought he was the funniest person in the room. He deserved a degree in sarcasm.

In 1985, Garry graduated Concordia University-Nebraska with a Bachelor of Science in education and a Bachelor of Arts degree in church music. He was consecrated as a Commissioned Minister of Religion in the Lutheran Church.

In 1993, he said goodbye to his selfish bachelor ways. He met the love of his life, Leigh Ann. They were married July 2, 1996, in Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii, followed by a formal wedding, at Zion, on Aug. 3, 1996.

Garry returned to school and graduated from Azusa Pacific University with a Master of Arts degree in special education. Garry was called by Lutheran Special Education Ministries to begin a special education program at St. John’s Lutheran School in Orange, the nation’s largest Lutheran elementary school. Professionally, as director of the program, he felt the past 23 years, working in special education, gave him the most rewarding experience for which he was eternally grateful. For the last 15 years he also served as organist and music-liturgical coordinator at Light of Christ Lutheran Church, Irvine.

Both Leigh Ann and Garry loved to travel, this adventurous spirit has taken them on an excursion every summer, from mission trips to Vietnam and Hong Kong, to all over Mexico, Europe, Hawaii, and the Caribbean. Every summer the Unger family goes to Estes Park, Colo., a tradition that has been part of his life since he was two.

Garry was preceded to heaven by his grandparents, Glen and Margaret (Wendland) Eland and Gustav and Lydia (Schaffert) Unger; parents, Melvin 2017 and Glenva 2018; father-in-law, Aquila John Rich 2004; 12 aunts and uncles; niece, Lauren Stainbook; and three cousins.

Those who survive him are the love of his life, Leigh Ann (Rich); brothers, David (Patricia) and Dan of McCook, Neb.; and nieces and nephews, Angela (Justin) Williby, Chance (Lora), Brittany (Seth) and Tanner, along with seven great-nieces and nephews. Garry is also survived by his mother-in-law, Alma Rich and brothers and sisters by another mother; John (Jane) Rich, Dawn (Tom) Shaw, Dave (Judy) Rich, Lynne Stainbrook, and Steve (Jeri) Rich. They have given us 10 nieces and nephews, and 10 great-nieces and nephews. Garry is also survived by 18 cousins, four wonderful god-children, Brendan, Morgan, John, Joey and dear friends.

A celebration of life service is at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Orange, Calif., on Nov. 6 at 10 a.m.

At a later date, his cremains will be interred in Memorial Park Cemetery in McCook, next to his parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.

Memorials are being accepted for St. John’s Lutheran School Endowment Fund (Orange, Calif.) and KNGN Kansas Nebraska Good News Lutheran Radio.