Gary Adler
Gary Lee Adler was born July 5, 1947, to Floyd and Marian Adler. He was born in Longmont, the third of seven children. Gary died Feb. 9, 2021, at his home in Wray after a long struggle with cancer.
He was baptized and confirmed at Peace Lutheran Church in Longmont. He began school in Mead and loved sports, especially basketball and football. Gary worked all of his school years on the family dairy and farm. He graduated in 1965 as the first graduating class of the new Longmont High School. Shortly after graduation, Gary joined the Army and served for three years. He was stationed in Germany.
After being discharged from the Army, Gary found the first love of his life — his red with white stripes 1968 Camaro Z28 — and bought it from the dealership showroom. While cruising Main in the Camaro, he found the real love of his life, Nanette Clark.
Two years later, Gary and Nanette were married in 1970 and started farming west of Mead. They grew sugar beets, corn, pinto beans, alfalfa and Coors brewing barley. Gary and Nanette welcomed their first child, Brent Adler, a year later. They then moved south of Johnstown, where they continued to farm and feed cattle. Their second son, Lyle Adler, was born in 1976.
Gary loved farming and his cattle. He especially enjoyed working with his brothers and father during harvest for many years. Together the family enjoyed their own competitive softball team. One year, their team won “The Pennant” in Longmont.
Gary also enjoyed working on muscle cars with his brothers and going to and participating in drag races. He loved the three C’s — Camaros, cattle and couch. Gary was hardworking, honest and faithful.
In 2001, Gary and his family moved to Wray, where he continued farming and ranching. He felt that it was the best move that his family had ever made. Gary loved the sandhills area, the people and the community.
Nothing compared to the joy that he experienced from becoming a grandfather to his two adorable granddaughters, Jaelyn and Makia Adler. He shared his passion for farming and ranching by working alongside his granddaughters.
Gary and Nanette were reunited with his original 1968 Camaro Z28 in 2017. He enjoyed going to car shows and parades as well as visiting with other car enthusiasts. In celebration of their 50th anniversary, they cruised Wray in the 2020 Mask Parade just like the good old days, enjoying their car once again.
Gary’s death is mourned and his life is celebrated by his wife, Nanette; son, Brent and Patty and their children Jaelyn and Makia Adler; son, Lyle and Michelle Adler; father, Floyd Adler; sister, Patricia and Randy Snider; brothers, Dennis and Joanne Adler, Randy and Undral Adler, and Doug and Rhonda Adler; sisters-in-law, Cynthia Adler and Pam Adler; many dear nieces and nephews; and numerous other cherished family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Marian; sister, Barbara; and brother, Jim.
Funeral services were held Feb. 16 at Zion Lutheran Church in Haigler, Nebraska, with Pastor Doug Hjelmsted officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 116, Haigler, NE 69030, or Mayo Clinic Transplant Program, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905.
Schmidt-Jones Funeral Home in Wray was in charge of arrangements, www.schmidt-jonesfh.com.