Gary Ohren was born on October 20, 1939, in Fosston, Minnesota to Oliver (Ole) and Beatrice (Swanson) Ohren.  The family moved to Silverton, Oregon when Gary was 4 years old.  The family joined Trinity Lutheran Church upon their arrival.

Gary attended Silverton schools and graduated from Silverton high school in 1957.  Upon graduation, he enlisted in the Army and served in post-war Korea.

In 1960, he returned to Silverton and worked at Petersons IGA Food Market in Silverton.  He became reacquainted with Nancy Raid on his coffee breaks at Silverton Cafe where she worked.  They were married January 13, 1962, and 3 children followed: Rick (Bonnie), Lisa, and Jen (CJ).  They were also blessed with 2 grandchildren, Nicholas and Ellias (Brooke) and a great grandchild, Olivia.

Gary served as Assistant Manager at Roth's IGA Foodliner starting in 1962. Later, he served in management for all of Roth's stores. He remained in the grocery business for the duration of his working career and retired from WINCO Foods.

Gary was active in the Silverton Community and was recognized for his services as president of the Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis Club president, Trinity Lutheran Church Deacon and President, Silverton Area Community Aid Board of Directors (our local food bank).  He also volunteered as a Silverton Hospital Van Driver, Silverton Historical Society's handyman, shelf stocker at SACA and sang with the Silvertones.

After his retirement, he was blessed to travel to his ancestral homelands of Norway and Sweden as well as visit over 100 US National Parks.  Gary and Nancy loved rockhounding and could be found wandering the shoreline of any beach looking for treasures.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Jim and Tom.  He is survived by his wife and children as well as a sister Joan (Art) Balczarek in Apache Junction Arizona and many adoring nieces and nephews.

Services will be held on July 13 at 1 PM at Trinity Lutheran Church, 500 North Second St.  Contributions may be made to Silverton Area Community Aid in his memory.

https://silvertonareacommunityaid.org/donate/