Gary Price, 88

Gary M. Price, age 88, passed away on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, from complications of esophageal cancer at Seasons Hospice House in Rochester, Minnesota.

Gary was born March 18, 1936, in Austin, Minnesota, the son of Emery and Gladys (Ofstedahl) Price. Gary graduated from Austin High School in 1954. He then enlisted in the US Air Force and was stationed in El Paso, Texas. In 1957, he and Judith Wenzel were united in marriage and resided in Austin after completing his service. They were blessed with four children.

Gary took a starting position at the Austin Post Office, and he eventually worked his way up to Supervisor. In 1976, he accepted the Postmaster position in Spring Valley, Minnesota and remained there until retirement in 1991.

Gary and Judy divorced. Gary married Orpha (Wennes) Snater in 1983 and they shared 39 years together. They retired to a lake home near Melrose, Minnesota and spent winter months at their home in Arizona. They enjoyed “life in the sun”. Their families share many fond memories of visiting them at both locations. Gary and Orpha eventually sold their lake home and stayed permanently in Arizona.

Gary’s faith was important to him, and he continued attending and supporting his church throughout his lifetime. In his leisure, Gary enjoyed socializing with friends and family, caring for his beloved golden retrievers, playing cards, Bingo and pool, word puzzles, his “coveted” black licorice and gin and tonics. Gary participated in bowling leagues well into his later years, and he was a loyal fan of the Minnesota Twins and Vikings.

His wife, Orpha, passed away March 4, 2023. Gary moved to The Waters Senior Apartments in Rochester, Minnesota in January of 2024 to be near his family. He settled well there and met several new friends. He regularly attended Bethel Lutheran Church in Rochester. Gary was diagnosed with cancer April 30, 2024.

Survivors include his children, Penny Ness (Randy) of Spring Valley, MN, Tammy Price-Troska (Michael) of Stewartville, MN, and Lori Reuter (David) of Rose Creek, MN; stepchildren, Maureen Moss of Nashville, TN, Douglas Snater (Faith) of Austin, MN, and Ronald Snater (Shelly) of Mesa, AZ, plus 13 grandchildren, 13 step grandchildren, and many great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Orpha; his parents, Gladys and Emery Sr.; brothers, Emery Jr., Duane, Clayton, Keith, Paul; one sister, LaVonne “Bubbles” Buttshaw; son, Daniel Price and step-son, Gregory Snater.

The family appreciates the kind and caring staff at Seasons Hospice House and the many visits from the pastors at Bethel Lutheran Church.

The family plans a private service of faith and remembrance for Gary.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at the American Legion in Austin, Minnesota.

Clasen-Jordan Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.