Gary Ojala

Gary Lee Ojala, 87, passed away on Monday, March 23, 2026. Gary was born on May 11, 1938 in Ellendale, ND. He married Sandra Joan Schultheiss on April 5, 1958. They met in Portland, OR, but lived most of their married life in various parts of Idaho. They had four children: Jesse, Kathryn, Susan, and James.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Vern and Fern, his two brothers, Larry and Richard, and his son Jesse. Gary is survived by his wife, Sandra, three children, four grandchildren, one great grandchild, and other extended family.

Gary earned a Bachelors of Science from Portland State College (now Portland State University) and a Masters of Science from University of Kansas. During his career, he worked as a geologist for Sunshine Mine in Idaho and for other companies where he traveled the world mostly in the field of mineral exploration. He also worked in finding interesting stone to use for landscaping. For a while, Gary had a license plate that read 'ROCKDR' ... and he had an extensive collection of gems and rocks of all colors, shapes, and sizes.

During their retirement years, Gary and Sandra were able to travel together to various parts of the US and the world, which they enjoyed very much. In the last few years, they began and enjoyed meeting their friends every Saturday morning for coffee and pastries.

Gary loved his wife, who he called Sammy, very much. His last words to her were, "Sammy, listen, I am so happy." Gary and Sandra were married almost 68 years at the time of Gary's death.