Gary Jay Roettele, 76, of Spirit Lake, Idaho, passed away at his home Nov. 17, 2023. He was born in Long Beach, Calif., to Maurice and Audree Roettele and grew up in Bellflower, Calif. He graduated from Bellflower High School in 1965. Immediately following graduation, Gary enlisted in the U.S. Army and was part of the 25th Infantry Division. He spent his military years in active combat in Vietnam and was the radio operator and grenade launcher for his platoon. He received many awards and recognitions for his service, including the Bronze Service Star.

He married MaryAnn Dargan on July 28, 1973, in Lakewood, Calif. Gary worked at the family business, Roettele Industries, as the sales representative. He and MaryAnn raised three daughters together in Cerritos and Yorba Linda, Calif., and have resided in Corona for the past 21 years.

Gary loved deep-sea fishing with Team Borracho, the Kansas City Chiefs, cooking, golfing and playing pool at one of his favorite local bars. His greatest joy was being “Papa” to his grandchildren. He went to as many of his grandchildren's games and activities as possible and even vacationed with his daughters' families when he wasn’t traveling the globe with his wife.

He was fortunate to travel with MaryAnn; they enjoyed cruises and excursions all over the world, including Europe, North and South Africa, the Mediterranean, Scandinavia and the British Isles. He was an active member of the American Legion and the VFW. He loved his home in Spirit Lake and his life in Idaho.

Along with his wife, he is survived by his daughters: Amy Pritts of Punta Gorda, Fla., and son-in-law Joe; Meg Westrup of Hayden, Idaho, and son-in-law Michael; Lacey Cox of Corona, Calif., and son-in-law Jim; and his seven grandchildren: Carly, Brooke, JT, Brady, Wyatt, Lila and Ethan.

There are no local services planned. Yates Funeral Home is entrusted with final arrangements. Please visit Gary’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.