Gary A. Salzieder's Obituary
Gary was born on March 22, 1931, in Edgeley, ND to Henry and Beulah (Stapleton) Salzsieder. He passed away on December 2, 2015 at the age of 84.
His growing up years were spent in Medberry and Edgeley, ND. In September 1949, Gary began attending the University of Puget Sound (UPS), in Tacoma, WA. Before graduating, he enlisted in the United States Navy. After the Navy, he worked for the Lockheed Corp. He then returned to
Washington to buy and establish Gary’s Dairy Queen on the corner of Meridian and River Rd in Puyallup.
Gary was a member of the Puyallup Lions Club, Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship and the Greater Tacoma Christian Layman’s Outreach Breakfast. He was also very involved at Life Christian Church, in Tacoma, where he was known as “the dancing usher.”
Gary was probably best known for his joyful spirit and his generosity for people in need. He loved
children and spent twenty years tutoring in reading at Spanaway Elementary School, in Spanaway, WA. He was recipient of the Volunteer of the Year Award for the Bethel School District in 2008.
Gary was well loved by many people and was like a Grandpa to many who knew him. Within the family, he was referred to as “the favorite Uncle.”
Gary was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Lorraine Jans and Carol Jean Russell; and one nephew, Philip Jans.
Gary leaves behind a brother-in-law, William Jans, Fargo, ND; nephew, Steve Jans (Lori), Billings, MT; great-niece, Kristin Jans and her fiancé Dan Burton; great-nephew, William Jans; and three great-great- nephews, Brandon, Ethan and Ezra, all of Ellettsville, IN; close friends, Dick Wilson, Dean Stageberg, Virginia Paul, Fred and Cindy Freliche and Tom Mullady.
Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, December 9, 2015 at Mountain View Memorial Park,
4100 Steilacoom Blvd SW, Lakewood, WA. Family and friends are kindly invited. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Life Christian Church, 5315 29th St NE, Tacoma, WA 98422
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